Can the Ultimate Mustang Outperform the Base Corvette Stingray? | Carscoops

      The current top-tier version of the Mustang, prior to the GTD's arrival, competes against a base Corvette for supremacy.

      This U-drag race highlights distinctions in handling, braking, and cornering, aside from just speed.

      Both vehicles are similarly powered, but the Mustang is over 350 lbs heavier than the Corvette.

      The price gap between the two adds an intriguing layer to this performance evaluation.

      Ford has historically lacked a true contender to the Corvette; conversely, following the discontinuation of the Camaro, Chevrolet currently lacks a direct rival to the Mustang. Nonetheless, comparing the base Corvette with Ford’s most notable Mustang, aside from the GTD, is intriguing. The differences become clear in this U-drag race.

      U-drag races are beneficial as they reveal much more than sheer power. The cars participate in a conventional drag race but then must quickly return to the finish line. This showcases their braking abilities, handling, and top speed all in one go.

      Examining the Specifications

      First, let's discuss the specifications because these two vehicles are quite similar on paper. The Corvette produces 495 horsepower (369 kW) while the Mustang Dark Horse delivers 500 (372 kW). The Chevy generates 470 lb-ft (636 Nm) of torque and has a curb weight of 3,662 pounds (1,661 kg), while the Mustang offers 418 lb-ft (566 Nm) and weighs in at 4,016 pounds (1,821 kg).

      In essence, both cars provide nearly identical power, but the Dark Horse has lower torque and is considerably heavier. Nevertheless, the Mustang is significantly more affordable at $74,155 compared to the Corvette’s $95,405 (both prices for the models tested). However, the Corvette stands as a mid-engine competitor to Porsche, while the Mustang, despite Ford's endeavors, remains a front-engine pony car. So, how did they perform in this test?

      Race Results: Corvette vs. Mustang

      In the first race, the Chevrolet takes off quickly, leaving the Ford behind. Over the quarter-mile, the Corvette gains a one-second lead going into the braking zone, handles better than the Mustang, and finishes almost two seconds ahead. Race two yields similar results with another considerable gap at the end.

      According to Edmunds, the Corvette was over a second quicker to 60 mph (96 km/h), precisely one second faster at the quarter-mile mark, and 1.3 seconds faster through the entire race. It also outperformed the Dark Horse in cornering, achieving 1.23G around the turn compared to the Ford’s commendable 1.22G.

      The Conclusion

      Ultimately, what counts is victory, and the Corvette excelled in every category: acceleration, handling, and braking. This illustrates the distinction between a true mid-engine supercar and a competent front-engine sports car.