Later models were much more efficient but also a lot less cool

Later models were much more efficient but also a lot less cool

We live in an age where many cars no longer even have a gas engine. Other models feature hybrid electric-petrol engines that can capture gas mileage ratings that many once thought impossible. Additionally, alternative fuels pose an option to escape the gas-filled world that many cars occupied during the previous century.

Before all of these beautiful advancements took place, car manufacturers relied on larger engines to produce the power they needed or desired for their cars. Many big-block V8 engines produced great horsepower numbers but at the cost of atrocious fuel economy. The 1970s did see an increase in restrictions reducing the number of gas guzzlers on the road over the following decades, yet some models still slipped through the cracks.

1960 Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette never claimed to get great gas mileage. Especially with all the performance under the hood, the famous sports car has recently been able to hit the mid-20s for highway, but the city rating remains below 20 mpg.
In 1960 the C1' Vette rated at a measly 14 mpg. Despite the poor gas mileage, the Corvette had an incredible V8 that could put out a max of 315hp. Besides, it's for the look and speed!

1962 Pontiac Grand Prix

The 1960s generation of the Pontiac Grand Prix saw a coupe with a beautiful V8 engine that drips classic muscle car nostalgia. Plus, the Grand Prix was a hardtop and also offered an enormous 7.0L V8 heavy duty capable of 405hp!
Although the Grand Prix was an iconic model that survived through to the 2000s, this first-generation model had horrible gas mileage at 11 mpg. Later models were much more efficient but also a lot less cool!

1988 Pontiac Bonneville

The Pontiac Bonneville is another iconic vehicle, with the first generation showing up in 1958. Existing for ten generations and finally being discontinued in 2005, the Bonneville in question is in 1988.
During the 1970s, fuel prices skyrocketed, and restrictions tightened. The Pontiac Bonneville supposedly went through upgrades to make them compliant, but with an 11.5 mpg rating, we're a bit suspicious.

1993 Dodge Viper

Introduced in 1992, the Dodge Viper featured a V10 engine capable of pushing 400hp. Originally designed to be a performance car, the Dodge Viper didn't even feature glass windows!
Though the Dodge Viper is a sports car powerhouse, it guzzles gas at a horrendous rate of 11 mpg. Though subsequent generations achieved modest gains, the 1992 model remains one of the worst offenders.

1964 Pontiac GTO

The first-generation Pontiac GTO included a large 389cu-in V8 rated at 325hp. Continuing a legacy of muscle cars, the GTO scored 0-60 in 7.7 seconds.
Despite being one of America's biggest gas-guzzling machines, the GTO remains iconic! Being a product of the 1960s meant gas mileage was the last thing on the mind. At ten mpg, it's pretty clear fuel efficiency wasn't a top priority for the GTO.