How many miles per gallon does a GT 500 get?
The current Shelby GT500 averages about 14 miles per gallon combined, with EPA estimates of 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. These figures reflect the car’s high-performance design, where power comes at the expense of fuel efficiency.
The question of GT500 fuel economy is year-dependent and influenced by driving style, terrain, and configuration. Below is a year-by-year guide to what buyers and owners can expect, followed by the factors that affect real-world mileage and a practical takeaway for daily driving.
Current-generation Shelby GT500 (2020–present)
EPA estimates for the 2020–present GT500 provide a baseline for how this performance-focused car behaves on typical US roads.
- City: 12 mpg
- Highway: 18 mpg
- Combined: 14 mpg
Real-world mileage can vary based on how aggressively the car is driven, road conditions, and whether the car is in performance modes or cruising. The numbers above are best-case EPA estimates intended for comparison shopping and budgeting.
Real-world expectations
In everyday use, drivers often see mid-teens mileage in mixed driving, with highway segments yielding better efficiency than city commute. Pushing into high-performance modes or tracking will typically lower fuel economy well below the EPA combined figure.
Earlier Shelby GT500 models (2007–2014)
Older generations built around a supercharged V8 share a similar pattern: high power, modest fuel economy by modern standards. Representative EPA ranges are shown below.
- 2007–2010: City around 14 mpg, Highway around 22–23 mpg, Combined about 17 mpg
- 2011–2014: City around 15 mpg, Highway around 23 mpg, Combined about 17 mpg
These numbers reflect changes in engine displacement (5.4L and later 5.8L variants), gearing, and tuning across generations. Real-world results depend on driving conditions and maintenance as with any performance car.
Factors that affect GT500 mpg
Several variables can swing the miles-per-gallon picture for a GT500, even within a single model year.
- Driving style and throttle response
- Steady-state highway cruising versus stop-and-go city driving
- Vehicle load, aerodynamics, and whether accessories (roof racks, spoilers) are used
- Tire choice, tire pressure, and wheel/tair friction
- Maintenance, fuel quality, and overall engine condition
For owners, this means that while EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world mileage will often be in the mid-teens for mixed use, with lower numbers during aggressive driving or tracking sessions and better results on long highway stretches with steady speeds.
What this means for buyers and daily driving
Fuel economy should be weighed against the GT500’s core appeal: extraordinary power and track-ready handling. If fuel efficiency is a priority, consider non-Shelby Mustangs or EcoBoost variants that deliver substantially higher mpg with more modest performance. For most buyers, the GT500 is a fantasy that’s enjoyable to drive, with mileage taking a back seat to thrilling acceleration and dynamics.
Summary
In short, the GT500’s mpg varies by generation and usage. Current models approximate 12 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined, while older generations typically sit in the high-teens combined range. Real-world numbers depend heavily on driving style, conditions, and configuration, underscoring that this car prioritizes performance over mileage.
How many miles per gallon does a 2012 GT500 get?
Compare to Similar Vehicles
| Used 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible 2D | Used 2024 MINI Convertible | Used 2020 Audi A5 |
|---|---|---|
| See Details | See Details | |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City 15/Hwy 23/Comb 17 MPG | City 23/Hwy 33/Comb 27 MPG | City 23/Hwy 31/Comb 26 MPG |
| Fuel Type |
What's faster, GT350 or GT500?
The GT500 is significantly faster than the GT350 in a straight line due to its much more powerful, supercharged engine. The GT350, however, offers a more engaging driving experience with its high-revving, naturally aspirated engine and manual transmission, making it a better choice for track-focused handling on winding roads.
This video compares the acceleration and performance of the GT500 and GT350: 51sEddieXYouTube · Nov 6, 2020
GT500
- Engine: Supercharged V8, producing up to 760 horsepower.
- Performance: Extremely fast with quicker 0-60 mph times (around 3.3 seconds).
- Transmission: Dual-clutch automatic, providing lightning-fast shifts.
- Focus: Built for straight-line speed and brute acceleration, often described as a "supercar killer".
- Feel: More of a grand touring car with immense power that feels planted, though its weight is more noticeable.
This video demonstrates the acceleration of the GT500: 58sEnthusiasts GarageYouTube · Apr 2, 2025
GT350
- Engine: Naturally aspirated V8, delivering 526 horsepower.
- Performance: Slower in a straight line but highly capable on a race track.
- Transmission: Manual transmission only, offering a more traditional and engaging driving experience.
- Focus: Engineered for track performance and handling, with a focus on driver engagement.
- Feel: More raw, nimble, and precise, especially in corners.
This video highlights the engine sound and characteristics of the GT350: 33sEnthusiasts GarageYouTube · Oct 12, 2022
Can you daily use a GT500?
We're not sure who sacrificed what to whom, but Ford has created a 760-horsepower Mustang that's as livable day to day as it is ferocious. In our all-too-short time with the GT500, we ran errands, took road trips and drag raced it against nearly everything under the sun.
How many miles per gallon does a Mustang GT 500 get?
12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway
The Shelby GT500's 760-hp V-8 is the antithesis of fuel efficiency. The government estimates that it'll earn a measly 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. That's less than the Camaro ZL1 and Challenger SRT Hellcat; they're EPA-rated at 13/21 mpg city/highway and 13/22 mpg city/highway, respectively.
