A two-tone 2023 Ford Mustang Mach 1 corners on a race track, displaying turning radius

Most Inefficient Muscle Cars of 2023 Will Ruin You at the Pumps

Car enthusiasts don't typically collect V8-powered muscle cars for fuel savings, but these models take thirsty economy figures to the next level.

by Erik Sherman

Published on July 8, 2023 3:15 pm

2 min read

Today’s automotive market is full of hybrids and fuel-sipping cars that promise up to 50 mpg or more. However, some fan favorites didn’t get the memo. Check out some of the farthest models from the most fuel-efficient muscle cars of 2023, like the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody, SRT Demon 170, and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

Which muscle cars get the worst fuel economy in 2023?

An orange Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody is one of the least fuel efficient muscle cars. — Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye | Stellantis

It’s no surprise that low fuel economy figures and powerful V8 engines go hand in hand. However, some models are thirstier than others. Here are some of the most gluttonous muscle cars on the market for 2023.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170	13 city/21 highway	Supercharged 6.2L V8
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody	13 city/21 highway	Supercharged 6.2L V8
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1	14 city/20 highway	Supercharged 6.2L V8
Ford Mustang Mach 1	14 city/22 highway	N/A 5.0L Coyote V8

Does Dodge Demon 170 run on alcohol?

A gray and black 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 shows off its muscle car styling. — Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 | Stellantis

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 gets its name from the 170-proof ethanol cocktail that the new Demon uses to produce 1,025 horsepower. However, the Demon 170 runs on 91-octane pump gas.

Unsurprisingly, Dodge’s latest halo car isn’t exactly economical. According to Car and Driver, the new Demon 170 has government fuel economy estimates of 13 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. While that isn’t quite Bugatti Chiron bad, it’s low enough to earn the Demon 170 a top spot among thirsty muscle cars.

How many MPG does a Challenger Hellcat Widebody get?

Like the Demon 170, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody is a gluttonous V8-powered muscle car. Specifically, the Hellcat Widebody swills gasoline to the tune of 13 mpg city and 21 mpg at highway speeds, per TrueCar.

The Challenger model’s appetite is understandable; the Hellcat’s 717-horsepower supercharged 6.2L demands mass quantities of pump gas and air.

What is the real mpg for Camaro ZL1?

A red and black Chevrolet Camaro is far from the most fuel-efficient muscle car on the market, but it smashes a lap around the Nürburgring. — Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE | General Motors

A 2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 gets slightly worse highway mileage than the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, at just 20 mpg. However, the lighter ZL1 outperforms the Hellcat in city economy, with around 14 mpg. Still, with 650 horsepower on tap, the track-ready Camaro is anything but fuel conscious.

Is the Ford Mustang Mach 1 one of the muscle cars with the worst fuel economy?

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 might not be as unhinged as the supercharged Shelby GT500 models from the S550 generation, but it’s still the most inefficient offering in the 2023 lineup. Specifically, the Mach 1 gets just 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway from its 5.0L Coyote V8.

While these muscle cars aren’t efficient, enthusiasts aren’t collecting them for fuel savings. Like the carbureted cars of yesteryear, these vehicles turn gasoline into noise and thunder. However, fans who want an efficient coupe can opt for a four-cylinder option like the Ford Mustang EcoBoost.

Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).