Whats the fastest Ford muscle car?
The fastest Ford muscle car in current production is the Mustang Shelby GT500, powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 with 760 horsepower and a top speed around 180 mph. But “fastest” can mean different things—0–60 time, quarter-mile, or top-end speed—and Ford’s lineup includes other quick performers whose strengths lie in handling, price, or track-focused tuning.
Defining speed in Ford’s modern lineup
Speed can be measured in several ways, and Ford’s muscle-car trio covers a spectrum. Here’s how the main current models stack up across common performance metrics.
Key performance metrics that typically define “fastest” include horsepower, torque, weight, transmission type, 0–60 mph time, and top speed. The following list highlights the most relevant figures for today’s Ford Mustang muscle cars.
- Mustang Shelby GT500 (2020–present): 760 hp, 625 lb-ft torque; 7-speed dual-clutch automatic; top speed about 180 mph; 0–60 time around 3.3 seconds in favorable conditions.
- Mustang Mach 1 (2021–2023): 470 hp, ~410 lb-ft torque; 0–60 roughly in the low 4-second range; top speed near 168 mph; more track-oriented than the GT500.
- Mustang GT with Performance Package (varies by year): around 450 hp and 410 lb-ft; 0–60 typically in the mid 4-second range; top speed around 155 mph depending on configuration.
In context, the GT500 leads in top speed and absolute horsepower among modern Ford muscle cars, while the Mach 1 and GT offer strong performance with different priorities such as handling balance and value.
What makes the GT500 stand out
The Shelby GT500 is Ford’s halo model for speed in the regular Mustang lineup. It pairs a supercharged V8 with performance-oriented engineering—recalcitrant acceleration, advanced chassis tuning, and aero refinements—to deliver standout straight-line performance and high-speed stability. Its powertrain decisions, including a dual-clutch automatic transmission, are designed to maximize launch control and track capability out of the showroom.
Historical context: notables from Ford’s muscle-car era
Ford’s muscle-car heyday produced several legendary speed machines that still loom large in automotive lore. While today’s GT500 uses modern technology to reach its numbers, past models like the Boss 429 and Cobra Jet variants are remembered for pushing horsepower to extremes in a different regulatory and fuel-economy era.
- 1969–1970 Boss 429: a limited, high-output big-block designed for performance on street and strip.
- Cobra Jet variants from the late 1960s and early 1970s: high-performance versions of the Mustang lineup that helped define the era’s straight-line speed.
Those classics laid the groundwork for a culture of speed that Ford has continued with modern homologation specials like the GT500, even as technology and regulations evolved.
Summary
Today’s benchmark for speed in Ford’s muscle-car lineup is the Mustang Shelby GT500, with 760 hp and a top speed near 180 mph. If you value track-focused handling or a lower starting price, the Mach 1 or the standard GT with performance upgrades offer compelling alternatives. Across generations, Ford’s muscle cars have traded on sheer power, refined chassis work, and a willingness to push performance boundaries, making the question of “fastest” a moving target that depends on the metric you care about.
How much horsepower does a 427 Ford GT40 have?
around 485 horsepower
In 1966, Ford unleashed the 7.0-liter (427-cubic-inch) big-block V8, a NASCAR-bred powerhouse, in the GT40 Mark II. Delivering around 485 horsepower and massive torque, this engine clinched a historic 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans that year.
Is a 5.0 Mustang faster than a Camaro?
A 5.0 Mustang and a Camaro are very closely matched, with either being faster depending on the specific model year and test conditions. In straight-line acceleration, the Camaro SS often has a slight edge in 0–60 mph times due to its lower weight and higher torque, while the Mustang GT can perform better on the top end.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the Mustang GT and Camaro SS in a drag race: 50sRush ShiftYouTube · Jun 5, 2019
Performance comparison
- 0–60 mph: The Camaro SS generally has a slight edge with acceleration figures around 3.9 seconds, while the Mustang GT is around 4.0 seconds.
- Horsepower: The Camaro SS often has a higher horsepower output (e.g., 455 hp for a 6.2L V8) compared to the 5.0L V8 in the Mustang GT (e.g., 450 hp).
- Torque: The Camaro SS has more torque (e.g., 455 lb-ft) than the Mustang GT (e.g., 420 lb-ft).
- Top end: The Mustang GT can perform better in the top end of a race, as it holds its power longer.
- Handling and chassis: The Camaro is often praised for its handling and chassis, which can give it an edge in track performance.
This video compares the 2024 Mustang GT and 2023 Camaro SS in a head-to-head test: 1mTheTopherYouTube · Jun 24, 2025
Key differences
- Camaro's advantages: The Camaro is often praised for its handling, overall chassis, and superior low-end torque, making it a strong performer on the track.
- Mustang's advantages: The Mustang is often favored for its higher-end performance, more powerful engine, and the ability to maintain speed at higher RPMs.
- Practicality: The Mustang generally offers more practicality in terms of a larger trunk and better visibility, making it a better choice for daily driving.
Overall, if you are looking for raw speed, the Camaro SS might have a slight edge in acceleration. However, if you are looking for more power on the top end or a more practical daily driver, the Mustang GT might be a better choice.
Is the dark horse faster than GT500?
No, the Shelby GT500 is faster than the Dark Horse, with a quicker 0-60 mph time and higher top speed due to its supercharged engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. While the Dark Horse is a very fast car with a more balanced feel, the GT500 is built for brute force and aggressive performance.
You can watch this video to see a drag race between the GT500, Dark Horse, and Hellcat: 51sStangModeYouTube · Nov 25, 2023
Performance comparison
| Feature | Shelby GT500 | Dark Horse |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | ~3.3 seconds | ~3.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~180 mph (290 km/h) | ~165 mph (265 km/h) |
| Engine | 5.2L supercharged V8 | 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) | 10-speed automatic or 6-speed manual |
| Acceleration | The supercharged engine and DCT allow for more aggressive launches and quicker upshifts, making it faster overall. | The Dark Horse is still very fast and more balanced, especially with the lighter weight. |
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What was Ford's fastest car?
The fastest production Ford car is the Ford GT, with a top speed of 216 mph. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
This video shows a 2025 Mustang GTD and discusses its features and performance: 59sSupercar BlondieYouTube · Sep 5, 2025
- Engine: The Ford GT is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine.
- Horsepower and torque: It produces 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
- Design: A lightweight carbon fiber monocoque and aerodynamic design contribute to its performance.
