Regardless of their inherent differences, people can’t stop comparing the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the 2020 C8 Chevrolet Corvette. These two cars couldn’t be much more different, though they do share a few similarities, namely price (generally speaking) and the fact that they’re both American icons. Regardless, we found this recent track battle between the best Mustang and Corvette currently available to be rather interesting.
The showdown takes place at Virginia International Raceway, with pro driver Randy Pobst behind both wheels. It’s about as even a comparison as they get, and it highlights the many differences between these two machines. In this case, the Mustang Shelby GT500 is not equipped with the Carbon Fiber Track Pack, which makes the as-tested price of both cars fairly similar – $80,785 for the GT500 versus $88,305 for the Z51-equipped C8.
The GT500 is powered by Ford’s 5.2L Predator V8, which produces 760 supercharged horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque. That’s considerably more than GM’s 6.2L LT2 V8, which makes 495 naturally-aspirated horsepower and 470 pound-feet. But the Corvette has a pair of advantages in its mid-engine layout and curb weight of just over 3,600 pounds, versus over 4,200 pounds for the GT500.
Every one of those factors showed up on the track, too. The Corvette used its superior weight and weight distribution to carry more speed in the corners, while the GT500 used its massive power advantage to accelerate faster out of the corners and pull ahead on the straights. It’s a true test of power-to-weight versus power-and-weight, but perhaps surprisingly, the old school approach takes home the victory here. By the slimmest of margins, that is.
The Mustang Shelby GT500 manages a best lap of 1:59.68, barely beating out the C8 Corvette, which did the deed in 2:00.96. That’s a difference of just 1.28 seconds, but in the world of racing, that’s more than enough to take home the trophy. Throw in the fact that it’s almost eight grand cheaper, and dare we call the GT500 a performance bargain?
We’ll have more interesting comparisons to share soon, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Mustang news, Mustang Shelby GT500 news, and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
Agreed! It’ll be interesting to see how the ZR1 version compares when it make it’s debut…especially in the dollars category comparison!
Ok when the ZR1 appear on the seen and the comparison is made with the GT500 dont forget to compare the cost. I know the C7 ZR1 is much more expensive then a brand new GT 500 so let’s just wait and see.
Test the new Shelby Edition of the American Ford MUSTANG GT-500 against the light-weight and over-priced Plastic Pretender……
Test the new Shelby Edition of the American Ford MUSTANG GT-500 against the light-weight and over-priced Plastic Pretender……The All-American Ford Mustang GT-500 is the Best Bang -for-the-Buck ! Drive one today !
That’s a laughable comparison.
Just wait for real power from the next Z06 and ZR1 😎😎 that was just a base Corvette, not the top of the line like the GT500 is. So that’s an unfair comparison.
C’mon man, I never understood the comparison. 2 different kind of performance cars. Should compare top camaro with top stang. But I do love the looks of the bad ass mustang.😆
I owned a new 2010 Shelby GT 500 Conv. 540 HP Supercharged and a 1990 pre-owned Vette from a banker that traded in every year. I took the Vette to Kings speed shop they added ram air, a chip and a dyno tune on a brand-new machine. 1st customer on the Dyno, Company rep was there.
I have not driven a C8, as a Ford retiree I must go with the Stang
C’mon man….. Pit the mustang against it’s peers. You fordies really need to understand that the mustang isn’t in the same class as the Vette. It’s like comparing a Vette to a Lambo.
Put the cars side by side and stand by them. The Ford will attract a gay man and the Vette will attract a hot woman.