The battle between Chevy and Ford rages on, but not in the way you might expect. As the horsepower arms race charges into the stratosphere, the combatants are getting a slight reshuffle, with the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 now taking on the new 2020 Corvette C8 in Motor Trend’s latest track test.
With pro racing driver Randy Pobst behind the wheel and Virginia International Raceway open for lapping, both machines got a proper shakedown. However, there’s more to experiencing these vehicles than apexes and braking points, so with that in mind, Motor Trend starts with a quick rundown on things like interior appointment and styling.
“The Corvette is an American interpretation of a mid-six-figure European supercar; the Shelby has nearly the same interior as that rental Mustang convertible at the Hertz counter at LAX,” Motor Trend writes.
Motor Trend also described the 2020 Corvette as offering an exotic, almost European exterior style, whereas the Mustang was pure American muscle car through and through.
However, the larger focus is still on how these two drive, and to that point, the 2020 Corvette impressed the testers for its poise in the corners, carving up VIR with ease.
“The amidships engine makes the steering feel responsive, more direct, and more precise,” Motor Trend writes. “It’s less work. The new ‘Vette slices its way into a bend in a most delightful way.”
Conversely, the front-engine, mega-power GT500 brought a totally different character to the party – the sort of character that encourages some rough-and-tumble horseplay.
“Toss it around. Grab it by the scruff of the neck. This pony encourages aggression,” Motor Trend writes.
While the 495-horsepower 2020 Corvette shined brightest at the apexes, the 760-horsepower GT500 was a rocket down the straights. Both are amazing vehicles – but you can guess which we’d rather have.
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Source: Motor Trend
Comments
Give the Vette Sport Cup 2’s like the Mustang has; it would take this race even when down 250 HP.
Ok. Now, let’s wait for the ZO6, or the 1,200hp (ZR-1) Zora comparison to Ford’s big pony.
Let me take a wild guess…tail between legs!
Sorry, Ford. Apples to apples, you will be squeezing lemons.
Butt wait…. can we get the car in production first…
The Mustang just went off course to find a crowd of people to crash into…
Dearborn’s Rejected Objects Foundation……
The Corvette is an example of engineering. The Mustang is an example of marketing.
True performance is what power you put to the ground and can use.
Big HP numbers and not being able to use it all is just pure marketing.
By your definition, the C7 ZR1 is pure marketing and just a cash grab.
Let’s be fair to both sides here….you should tested the Corvette against the Ford GT or the Shelby GT500 against the Camaro ZL1. The mustang and corvette serve 2 distinctly different buyers. The mustang never tries to be a great sports car. it is at the moment king of pony cars. The corvette never tries to be a muscle car. It is a sports car.
C’mon Ray, look at the numbers, the C8 would get lapped by the Ford GT. Get serious and stop being blinded by fanaticism.
All true!
What a bunch of butthurt crybabies. LOL Hilarious your midlife crisis ?
Gents,
Have to agree – this is apples and oranges.
Personally, like both cars for very reasons listed.
I’ve owned Vettes and many other sports cars – Audis, Z Cars, Camaros… and currently own 5 sports cars – one is a modified 06 Mustang GT with almost 200k miles.
Honestly, I do like the look, but it is very Euro – not the classic Vette look, but okay.
Currently own a supercharged and modified 19 Mustang GT Convertible and absolutely love it.
I have to say I am very happy with the Mustang.
Lost my love for the Vettes because the 2 I have owned had issues.
But if you just leave them in the garage and never drive them like many Vette owners – no problems.
My Mustangs have never had major issues…..