Since its debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Ford’s 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 has been regarded as one of the most highly-anticipated sports cars in 2019. There has been a lot of speculation about the car since its official release in January, and it’s worth noting how the new range-topping snake stacks up against the competition.
With Ford officially announcing power numbers recently, let’s have a look at how the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 compares to competitors, at least on paper. We have selected the most obvious Shelby GT500 rivals – Chevrolet’s Camaro ZL1 and Corvette ZR1, plus the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. We also picked some more indirect rivals – the Porsche 911 and BMW M4. Granted, both of the German models are luxury-level offerings, but they are very likely to intersect with the Shelby GT500 in terms of price. With that out of the way, let’s have a look.
| 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 | 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat | 2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 | 2019 Porsche 911 | 2019 BMW M4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP: | TBD | $60,695 | $64,195 | $125,090 | $92,350 | $69,150 |
| Engine: | 5.2-liter supercharged V8 | 6.2-liter supercharged V8 | 6.2-liter supercharged V8 | 6.2-liter supercharged V8 | 3.0-liter Twin-turbocharged Boxer 6-cylinder | 3.0-liter Twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower: | 760 | 717 | 650 | 755 | 370 | 425 |
| Torque (pound-feet): | 625 | 656 | 650 | 715 | 331 | 405 |
| Transmission: | 7-speed dual-clutch auto | 6-speed manual, 8-speed auto | 6-speed manual, 10-speed auto | 7-speed manual, 8-speed auto | 7-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic | 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| 0-60 Acceleration: | "Mid 3-second range" | 3.4 seconds | 3.5 seconds | 2.85 seconds | 4.0 seconds (PDK) | 4.1 seconds |
| 1/4 Mile: | "Less than 11 seconds" | 11.2 seconds | 11.4 seconds | 10.6 seconds | Unreported | Unreported |
| Weight (pounds): | TBD (Shelby GT350 3,791) | 4,448 | 3,883 (coupe, manual) | 3,560 (coupe) | 3,153 (manual) | 3,600 (coupe) |
With 760 horsepower, the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 is the most powerful vehicle here, making 5 horsepower more than the second-most powerful Corvette ZR1 and 43 horses more than the third-place Challenger Hellcat. However, the Shelby GT500’s 625 pound-feet of torque trails each of its most direct rivals, making 90 pound-feet less than the Corvette ZR1, 31 pound feet less than the Challenger Hellcat and 25 pound-feet less than the Camaro ZL1. Either way, Ford can now lay claim to the fact that it has the most powerful production car in its class, a segment in which spec sheet bragging right are just as important as the performance. Speaking of performance…
Ford has stated that the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 will do the 0-60 sprint in the “mid-three second range.” We still don’t know exactly what that means, but that level of performance should but the new monster snake right in line with the Hellcat and ZL1.
Ford similarly has yet to reveal the exact figure for the GT500 quarter mile performance. Currently, all we have to go on is that it will do the 1,320 in “less than 11 seconds,” which puts it in Corvette ZR1 territory. That’s all we have to go on as it relates to on-paper performance. But what all the numbers and figures don’t show is the story beyond the spec sheet.
Braking, handling, and overall track characteristics should weigh into how the 2020 Shelby GT500 will manage when lined up next to any of its most direct rivals. Other considerations include add-on packages, particularly the optional carbon fiber package.
Two key elements that Ford hasn’t announced just yet are weight and price. We wouldn’t be surprised to see the 2020 GT500 tip the scales at over 4,000 pounds while having a starting price of $85,000 on to a fully-loaded version for close to the $100,000 mark, and that’s before dealers begin playing the gouging game with “market adjustment” addendums.
When the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 launches this fall, it will be available exclusively as a Fastback Coupe with a dual-clutch transmission. In other words, there will be no Convertible model or a manual transmission option, at least as far as we know. Ford has previously stated that the Shelby GT500 will be an all-out track weapon, but that it will remain composed enough to drive on the street on a daily basis. We can only speculate about its real-world performance at the moment, but we are looking forward to getting our hands on a GT500 in the coming months to see what it can do for ourselves.
In the meantime, subscribe to Ford Authority for more Shelby GT500 news, Mustang news, and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Comments
not worth 85k….i have a c7 z06 for 80k that ran a 10.7 quater mile and will out handle a porky 4 thousand lb car..but i think the car is great and wld consider buying one for around $78-80k without markup…..why pay markup when you could buy it 6-12 mos later at or below sticker
I will keep my stock 2014 GT500 over this any day. No way it’s worth 85-100K plus dealer fluff, but the waiting lists at dealers prove everyone with an ego doesn’t care about logic.
Since Ford is the “Twin Turbo King”, why didn’t they go with a “hot V” and higher boost to get better torque? I am also curious about comparisons of boost, engine redline, supercharger speeds and axle ratio. The Ford engine should spin at least 1,200 RPM higher. I will wait for the next generation Mustang based on the Explorer and hopefully get AWD and more aluminum. When will more manufacturers adopt the additional intercooler coolant cooler that borrows refrigerant from the AC?
Why is it that FORD AUTHORITY does NOT return my phone calls????? I have left at a minimum of 4 voice mails now on your phone. Why do you not return a call????????
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Alex
I’m happy to see you listed the ZR1 and Porsche 911 as target vehicles for the GT500. I have commitment several times on different sites that Ford’s targets for the GT500 were not just the Red-eye or Camaro, but the ZR1 and Porsche 911S. Looking at. Weight. The porky Challenger wins that battle being the heaviest of the cars you listed. Like your list I also estimated the GT500 weight from the GT350 since both cars have similar track features and use. Carbon fiber in both the body and wheels. The Tremec 7-speed DCT is advertised as light weight. I haven’t compared the savings or lack of with the GT350 Tremec 6 speed manual. With the Ford GT’s production slated to continue through 2022 and the racing program turning to privateers. It’s looking like Ford will have a two Halo cars. One that requires an extremely thick wallet, your first born and a questionnaire that makes it literally impossible to purchase. Now a new one that will likely be available to those that have a thick wallet and for now willing to pay what will likely be large dealer markups. If Jeep dealers are marking up the new Jeep Gladiator $20,000. One can only guess what the first runs of GT500 will have added. Great article and comparison. No one has agreed with my GT500 target list until your article. I guess after the performance numbers are released, we’ll see who the GT500’s competition targets really are.
I’d love to see track time added to this listing. Take them all around a track that requires quick acceleration, high speed braking, and tossability.
I am guessing GT500 will get 0-60 in 3.25 and 1/4 mile in 10.85