Is the Mustang 5.0 faster than Hellcat?
In straight-line performance, the Dodge Challenger Hellcat variants generally outpace the Mustang GT with the 5.0-liter V8. The Mustang remains quick and engaging, but it typically cannot match the Hellcat’s raw acceleration and top speed in stock form. The comparison becomes more nuanced when considering different trims, tires, and driving conditions.
Power and performance: a side-by-side snapshot
Below is a concise snapshot of typical specs for the Mustang GT with the 5.0-liter V8 in recent model years.
- Engine: 5.0-liter Coyote V8 producing about 450 horsepower and roughly 410 lb-ft of torque.
- 0-60 mph: typically around 4.0 to 4.3 seconds, depending on transmission and options.
- Quarter-mile: roughly 12.3 to 12.5 seconds at about 110–118 mph, depending on tires and gearing.
- Top speed: electronically limited around 155–157 mph in many trims.
Taken together, these numbers demonstrate that the Mustang GT 5.0 delivers strong performance, but its power output and acceleration are generally less than what the Hellcat lineup offers.
Below is a concise snapshot for the Dodge Challenger Hellcat variants, which typically push more power and torque than the 5.0 GT.
- Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8, usually 707 hp in the standard Hellcat and up to about 797 hp in the Redeye variant.
- 0-60 mph: commonly around 3.4 to 3.7 seconds with appropriate tires and traction.
- Quarter-mile: roughly 10.7 to 11.2 seconds at around 125–135 mph, depending on spec and conditions.
- Top speed: around 199 mph for standard Hellcat models, with higher figures possible in certain packages or with drag-oriented setups.
Overall, Hellcat variants offer substantially quicker straight-line acceleration and higher top speeds than the Mustang GT 5.0 in stock form.
Context: weight, handling, and track conditions
Performance isn’t determined by horsepower alone. Weight, aerodynamics, tires, and chassis tuning all shape how a car performs on the street and on a track. The Hellcat lineup tends to be heavier due to the forced induction system and large tires, which can affect handling balance at the limit. However, many Hellcat models come with performance suspensions and wide tires that deliver exceptional traction off the line, contributing to their brisk 0–60 and quarter-mile times. The Mustang GT 5.0, by contrast, benefits from a lighter curb weight and precise handling characteristics that can translate into strong cornering performance and a engaging drive, even if its straight-line numbers don’t match the Hellcat’s.
Which is faster in practice?
In straight-line acceleration and top speed, the Hellcat typically dominates the Mustang GT 5.0 in stock form. In real-world track settings, the outcome can depend on tire choice, driver skill, gearing, and whether the track favors straight-line speed or cornering ability. The Ford Mustang lineup also includes higher-performance variants (such as the Shelby GT500) that can narrow or even surpass a Hellcat in certain scenarios, but those models sit outside the simple 5.0 versus Hellcat comparison.
Availability and model-year context
As of recent model years, the Dodge Challenger lineup—including Hellcat variants—has faced a reduced production run, with final model-year runs and limited editions signaling the end of the Challenger era. Ford’s Mustang remains in active production with the 5.0-liter V8 continuing as a centerpiece of the GT lineup. For buyers, this means that new Hellcat variants are less common, and most comparisons will involve used or leftover Challengers along with current Mustang GT models.
Bottom line
The Mustang GT 5.0 is a strong performer with a highly engaging character, but it is not typically faster than the Dodge Challenger Hellcat in stock form when measured by straight-line speed. If you prize raw acceleration and top-end performance, the Hellcat variants generally win. If you prefer a lighter feel and strong handling balance, the Mustang GT 5.0 holds its own in its class, though it’s not the quickest option overall.
Summary
In short, for straight-line speed the Hellcat outpaces the Mustang GT 5.0 on most comparable models and conditions. The Mustang 5.0 remains an excellent, affordable V8 performance option with a different driving character—more about balance and engagement than outright tunnel-vision speed. For those seeking ultimate performance within Ford’s lineup, higher-tier options like the Shelby range offer a different, often quicker, benchmark, while Dodge’s Hellcat family remains the benchmark for horsepower-per-dollar in its segment.
