Chevrolet and Ford have been trading blows for years, and now their top-of-the-line performance vehicles are going head-to-head. The Corvette ZR1 is Chevrolet’s flagship model, a mid-engined beast with twin turbochargers that provide crazy amounts of power. Ford responds with the Mustang GTD, a significantly modified pony car that is equally at home on the racetrack as it is on the road.
Chevy starts with the tried-and-true 5.5L V8 and adds twin turbos at the end. The end result is 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual clutch transmission. They claim it can go from zero to sixty in 2.3 seconds and finish the quarter mile in 9.6 seconds at 150 mph, with a top speed of over 230 mph if they don’t crash.
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Ford takes a different approach, giving their 5.2L V8 a supercharger, resulting in 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. They’ve also added a rear-mounted transaxle to help with balance, and the front end has active aerodynamics that provide significant downforce. On their own test track, they went from 0 to 60 in around 2.8 seconds and completed the 1/4 mile in 10.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 202 mph.
In terms of straight line speed, the Corvette has a significant advantage. The extra 249 horsepower and lower weight offer it a significant advantage in terms of acceleration and top speed. The mid-engine configuration also greatly improves traction off the line. However, when it comes to track performance, the Mustang GTD has a few tricks up its sleeve. It has a Multimatic suspension system that helps keep it planted, as well as adjustable aero kits that provide additional downforce. Drivers note that it feels extremely quick and responsive while turning into a bend.
Some recent tests with Top Gear brought home the contrasts between the two. The Corvette was faster overall, which is not surprising given its power advantage on the straights. However, the Mustang GTD was able to reduce the distance in the turns because to its superior grip and balance.
Then there’s the price, which effectively seals the deal for anyone who isn’t a millionaire. The Corvette ZR1 starts at $183,000, which is expensive but not ridiculous. The Mustang GTD, on the other hand, starts at $325,000 and may go up to tens of thousands of dollars with extras.
