Street Racing Showdown: The Clash of American Muscle Cars – 1966 Chevrolet SS 396 vs. 1966 Pontiac GTO vs. 1966 Ford Fairlane GT

Muscle cars have always been a symbol of power and performance, with their massive engines, aggressive styling, and thunderous exhaust notes. In the 1960s, the automotive industry was dominated by a fierce competition among the big three American automakers – General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler – to produce the most potent muscle car. Among them were the Chevy SS 396, Pontiac GTO, and Ford Fairlane GT, which were all designed to deliver raw power and exhilarating driving experiences.

In this article, we’ll explore how the SS 396 stacks up against its main rivals in terms of performance capabilities, including speed, handling, and braking. We’ll also examine the results of a high-speed run test to determine whether the SS 396 can outgun the GTO and leave the Fairlane GT in the dust.

Introduction

The year 1966 marked the golden age of muscle cars, and some of the most iconic American muscle cars were produced during this time. Three of the most popular models from this era were the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, the 1966 Ford Fairlane GT, and the 1966 Pontiac GTO. Each of these cars had its own unique design, features, and performance capabilities, making them popular among muscle car enthusiasts.

The 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle was one of the most popular muscle cars of its time. It was available in three different models, including the Malibu, the SS 396, and the SS 396 convertible. The Chevelle had a sleek, aerodynamic design that made it stand out on the road. It also had a powerful engine, which gave it impressive acceleration and speed.

The 1966 Ford Fairlane GT was another popular muscle car of its time. It was designed with a long, sleek body that gave it a classic, timeless look. The Fairlane GT was powered by a V8 engine that delivered impressive horsepower and torque, making it one of the fastest cars on the road.

The 1966 Pontiac GTO was one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time. It had a classic, muscular design that was instantly recognizable. The GTO was powered by a V8 engine that delivered impressive horsepower and torque, which made it one of the fastest cars on the road.

When it comes to design and performance, the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, Ford Fairlane GT, and Pontiac GTO all had their own unique features that made them popular among muscle car enthusiasts. The exterior design of each car was different, with the Chevelle having a more aerodynamic design, the Fairlane GT having a longer, sleeker body, and the GTO having a more muscular, aggressive look.

The interior design of each car was also different, with the Chevelle featuring strato bucket seats and a center console, the Fairlane GT featuring a spacious, comfortable interior, and the GTO featuring a classic, sporty interior with bucket seats and a floor shifter.

In terms of engine power and performance, the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle was powered by a range of V8 engines, with the SS 396 being the most powerful, delivering up to 375 horsepower. The Ford Fairlane GT was also available with an optional 427 cubic inch V8 engine that delivered up to 425 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful muscle cars of its time.

When it comes to transmission, the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle and Pontiac GTO both had a 4-speed manual transmission, while the Ford Fairlane GT was available with a 3-speed or 4-speed manual transmission, or a 3-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of price, the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle was the most affordable of the three, with a starting price of around $2,600. The Ford Fairlane GT was slightly more expensive, with a starting price of around $3,000, while the Pontiac GTO was the most expensive, with a starting price of around $3,200.

To compare the performance of these muscle cars, a brake stop challenge, quarter-mile run, and high-speed run were conducted. In the brake stop challenge, the Chevelle was able to outstop the GTO, but both cars were able to stop faster than the Fairlane GT. In the quarter-mile run, the Chevelle was the fastest, followed closely by the GTO, with the Fairlane GT coming in last. In the high-speed run, the Chevelle was once again the fastest, followed by the GTO, with the Fairlane GT coming in last.

While each of these muscle cars had its own unique features and performance capabilities, there are both pros and cons to owning them. Some of the pros include the classic design, powerful engine, and high performance. However, some of the cons include the high cost of ownership, difficulty finding replacement parts, and high fuel consumption.

The SS 396 Outguns the GTO and Leaves Fairlane’s GT in the Dust

When it comes to sheer power, the SS 396 stands tall among its competitors. With a 6.5-liter V8 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, the SS 396 boasts impressive acceleration and top speed capabilities. In comparison, the GTO’s 6.4-liter V8 engine produces 350 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, while the Fairlane GT’s 6.4-liter V8 engine produces 335 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of acceleration, the SS 396 can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, while the GTO and Fairlane GT take 6.8 and 7.1 seconds, respectively. The SS 396 also has a higher top speed, with a maximum speed of 127 mph, compared to the GTO’s 123 mph and the Fairlane GT’s 120 mph.

Furthermore, the SS 396 has a smoother and more responsive engine, thanks to its hydraulic lifters and forged steel crankshaft. The GTO, on the other hand, uses solid lifters and a cast iron crankshaft, which can cause more vibrations and harsher engine noise. The Fairlane GT also has a cast iron crankshaft, which can limit its engine’s performance capabilities.

The SS 396 Can Outstop the GTO

While speed is a critical factor in muscle car performance, stopping power is equally crucial. In this regard, the SS 396 has an advantage over the GTO, thanks to its superior braking system. The SS 396 comes standard with front disc brakes, which are more effective at stopping the car than the GTO’s drum brakes. The Fairlane GT also has front disc brakes, but they are smaller and less effective than the SS 396’s.

Disc brakes provide better stopping power because they have a larger surface area for friction, which allows them to dissipate heat more efficiently. This means they are less prone to fade during hard braking, which can cause a loss of stopping power. Drum brakes, on the other hand, have a smaller surface area, which makes them more susceptible to fade and less effective at stopping the car.

Can the SS 396 Outgo the GTO?

In addition to speed and stopping power, handling and suspension are also crucial factors in muscle car performance. In this regard, the GTO has an advantage over the SS 396, thanks to its more advanced suspension system. The GTO comes standard with independent front suspension, which provides better handling and ride comfort than the SS 396’s solid axle setup. The Fairlane GT also has a solid axle setup, which can limit its handling capabilities.

Independent front suspension allows each wheel to move independently of the other, which reduces body roll and improves grip during cornering. This makes the car more stable and predictable, which can inspire confidence in the driver. Solid axle setups, on the other hand, tend to be more prone to oversteer and can be more challenging to control in tight corners.

High-Speed Run Test

To determine how the SS 396 performs in high-speed runs, we conducted a standing start to half-mile race. The results were impressive, with the SS 396 emerging as the pacesetter. It quickly outpaced the GTO and Fairlane GT and continued to pull away throughout the race.

This test confirmed that the SS 396 can go toe-to-toe with the best muscle cars of its era in terms of speed and acceleration. It also demonstrated the car’s impressive power and handling capabilities, which make it a top choice among muscle car enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the SS 396 is a true powerhouse of a muscle car that can outgun the GTO and leave the Fairlane GT in the dust. Its impressive engine power and acceleration, combined with its superior braking system, make it a force to be reckoned with on the road. While it may not have the most advanced suspension system, its solid axle setup still provides excellent handling capabilities. Overall, the SS 396 is a top pick for anyone seeking a true muscle car experience.