Originally Posted by Jonz79

As the proud owner of a nicely preserved 79 C3, I admit, I am a bit biased here, but prior to getting this car, I had already been looking at the "lowered" performance of the mid-late 70's, early 80's cars with a new perspective.
We all know that the Gov/EPA was heavily in the manufacturer's business by 72. We all have had the conversation, either referring to a car we owned/own, or referencing (nicely bashing) a car someone else owns, the discussion being: "muscle" ended in 1971. (or something to that effect)
Now, at 52 years young, having owned many muscle cars, including 68, 70, 71, 72, 74....and so on, my perspective has changed. If you look at these cars, say 1974-1979 (lets stick with the non-comp cars for discussion-sake), keep the discussion relevant to the times they were produced, the discussion, as well as the memory/reality becomes much clearer. Example: a 1979 (like mine...) L48 put out 195 HP. That seems anemic, when compared to the BB of the early 70's, for sure, and many small blocks as well. However, a 1972 base-350 Vette, only had 5 more HP, at 200, and unlike the 3.55 cog that came standard in 79, you were relegated to a 3.36 gear. However, you got more choices. You could go for the big-dog, and many, if not most did. So, it could be said that the choices were limited post 73, maybe not so much that the cars just pain sucked! Despite the higher GROSS HP #'s of many of the earlier cars, the performance numbers, especially when comparing the early base models, were not that different to the later cars. Now, when you factor in better brakes, steering, and other updated components, the comparisons get more complicated. I for one can say emphatically, the latter 70's cars were a much nicer ride than the 60's, early 70's cars I owned. (mostly uni-body, and almost all Camaros!). I have driven 70-72 Stingrays, and although the LT-1 was a stout motor, with better heads (2.02), bigger carb (780cfm), 4 bolt main, etc.....the cars overall were rather rickety, and the motors more finicky than say my 78 TA, or this 79 C3 for that matter. My point is: perhaps we give all of the cars a bit of a bum-rap (I have as well), and do not fully consider that in THEIR day, relative to THEIR time, they were the premier choices, and represented America's fastest/best handling automobiles. I remember my cousin Corinda (coolest chick ever) getting a brand-new, spankin new....80 Z28. Black on black. had the induction hood thingy, beautiful car. She let me have the keys. It was pure heaven, all....what 180HP of it. YEP. And having owned a 100% original survivor, mint 1972 M-21, LT-1 Z28 for years, I can tell you,...now, at my age.....doing what I realistically do with these cars, I would take that black 80, and twice on Sunday.
It's all relative. I love muscle, always have. But, dare I say, in my middle-age, as my muscles get a tad softer.......so does my outlook on the entire "muscle-car" gene-pool. My 79 rocks, as does the 73', 74, 75, 76, 77, 78.......ahhh, you get the idea. Just my silly perspective, hope it didn't offend anyone, or come off preachy. Just meant to bring some thought, discussion, and anything else you wish to throw my way. I still have volumes to learn.
PS No sense in comparing to TODAY'S performance. That was not the intent. That is a whole other can-o-worms, and I can list just as many annoying things about the super high powered cars of now (I own one).....proving once and for all, I am indeed a DINOSAUR. lol