I have always considered,
I have always considered, back in the 1960's, the Mustang, Camaro, Challenger, Cougar, Javelin, Firebird, Barracuda, and AMX to be pony cars. I use the term muscle car to describe the Olds 442, Pontiac GTO, Chevelle SS, Buick Grand Sport, Dodge Charger and the like. These were bigger cars with bigger engines, although some engines were shared between the two. The Buick GSX Stage 1 was one of the most powerful and least known muscle cars, at least when compared to the more popular muscle car nameplates.
As a kid back in the late 60's and early 70's my brother and I had a Sunday ritual of cruising the car lots and checking out what was new since our last Sunday cruise. We spied this '70 Chevy Nova SS. Back then you could open the hood from the outside. We popped that hood and spied a 396 cubic inch V-8 with an open 360 degree air intake and chrome valve covers. That engine took up the whole engine compartment. A holy grail car for sure today.
Now to my point....finally. The Challenger is pretty much like the original. Slab-sides with a conservatively styled front and rear ends. Look at the Camaro and Mustang, especially the front ends of these vehicles. Lots of curves. A busy look. Now look at the Challenger with it's graceful understated look. It's bragging rights are under the hood!