Which is faster, Dodge or Ford?
In broad terms, Dodge’s flagship performance cars generally reach higher top speeds in their mainstream lineup (around 203 mph for the Hellcat/Redeye variants) than Ford’s Mustangs in their standard performance trim (about 180 mph for the Shelby GT500). If you widen the view to ultra-exclusive hardware, Ford’s Ford GT can surpass those numbers, but it remains a rare, high-priced outlier. This article breaks down the current speed figures and what they mean in context.
The question of which brand is faster depends on what you measure: top speed, acceleration, drag times, or track performance. Below is a model-by-model snapshot of the speed figures most often cited in speed discussions, followed by context on how to interpret the numbers.
Speed in numbers: model-by-model snapshot
Before listing, here is a concise comparison of the main production models from Dodge and Ford that fans most frequently compare for straight‑line speed. Figures are manufacturer-claimed top speeds and widely reported performance metrics; actual numbers can vary with tires, aero packages, and testing conditions.
- Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody — Official top speed: 203 mph; 0–60 mph roughly 2.0–2.3 seconds with drag‑tire setups; notable for extreme straight‑line speed in a muscle‑car package.
- Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody — Official top speed: 203 mph; 0–60 mph around 3.4–3.5 seconds; combines sedan practicality with overt horsepower.
- Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 — Official top speed: 180 mph; 0–60 mph typically about 3.3–3.5 seconds depending on options and conditions.
- Ford GT — Official top speed: 216 mph; 0–60 mph around 2.9–3.0 seconds; a limited‑production supercar that sits at the high end of speed for both brands.
Concluding from the numbers: within their mainstream performance lineups, Dodge tends to offer higher top speeds than Ford’s typical performance models. Ford’s standout is the Ford GT, which surpasses the Dodge cars on top speed but is not a direct competitor in price, market segment, or everyday practicality.
Context and how to read the numbers
Interpreting top speed vs. other metrics
Top speed is just one dimension of speed. Real-world performance also hinges on acceleration, braking, handling, and how a car launches off the line. Different models use different tires, aero kits, and drive modes that can alter official figures in everyday driving.
Additional factors that influence “faster” in practice
Beyond raw numbers, several factors shape how fast a car feels or performs on a given day. Here is a brief look at what can tilt the balance:
- Tire choice and grip levels dramatically affect acceleration and launched speed.
- Aerodynamics and downforce influence top speed and corner stability at high speeds.
- Weight and power-to-weight ratio determine how quickly a car accelerates and how it handles under load.
- Launch control, drivetrain configuration (RWD vs. AWD), and transmission calibration play key roles in straight-line performance.
In practice, the fastest car for you depends on where you drive it and which measure you care about most—straight-line speed, quickest 0–60, or best overall track performance.
Summary
When looking at the current production lineup, Dodge generally leads in top speed among the commonly available performance cars, with the Challenger and Charger Hellcat/Redeye variants hitting about 203 mph. Ford’s standard performance lineup tops out lower, around 180 mph with the Shelby GT500, but Ford’s ultra‑exclusive Ford GT can exceed those numbers at around 216 mph. The fastest option overall across both brands is Ford GT, but its rarity and price put it outside the same market segment as Dodge’s mainstream performance models. In the end, “faster” depends on which speed metric matters most and which specific models are being compared.
