With computers, tuning large HP numbers out of small cc’s is easy. Not so in the early to mid 60’s. I grew up building hot rods and race cars - ran 13.5 sec in a 57 Chevy with a 302 in late 60’s, able to beat about anybody on the street. The car mags said no car would ever break 7 seconds in the quarter in the mid 60’s, when top fuel was approaching that. 160 with a 327 or 350? Not likely without some serious mods.
Datsun 240Z. No computer, 160mph car. They were a blast to drive. Had one.
Reality seldom intrudes on nostalgia.
I’m sure people saw *speedometer* speeds that were actually all but impossible, but the reality? Quite different!
Bias-ply tires? Crude suspensions? Aerodynamics? Geez, some people need to get real!
This is a golden age of fast cars. Nothing has the raw appeal and energy of those muscle and sports cars, but newer, almost mundane sedans are superior performers.