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In the world of American V8 muscle cars, the fight for supremacy is fierce, and each competitor seeks to prove its worth on the design. Recently, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 faced off against the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost in an exciting drag race, pitting the two electric cars against each other.
Named after the legendary 1970 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is far from a pushover. With an impressive 807-horsepower V8 engine derived from Super Stock and Jailbreak models, this special edition Challenger packs a punch. Only 300 units of the Black Ghost will be produced, making it a unique and sought-after muscle car.
However, another problem facing the Black Ghost is its curb weight, tipping the scales at 4,476 pounds (2,030 kilograms). In the world of drag racing, weight can be a major hindrance to a car’s performance, both in straight-line speed and handling through twisties. Additionally, the factory-fitted summer tires on the Black Ghost may not be ideal for maximizing traction during drag racing.
On the other hand, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 boasts a light platform, tipping the scales at 4,168 pounds (1,891 kilograms) according to Edmunds. While not as powerful as the Black Ghost, with 760 horsepower and 625 pound-ft (847 Nm) of torque, the Shelby GT500 makes up for it with a quick dual-clutch transmission and light body.
The demonstration took place over two races, designed to test the performance of the car in different conditions. The first race consisted of a quarter-mile drag, followed by a braking zone, then a hairpin turn, and finished with a dash back to the start/finish line.
In the quarter-mile drag, the Shelby GT500 proved its power and speed, recording an impressive 11.7 seconds compared to the Black Ghost’s 12.6 seconds. The gap between the two cars narrowed to 0.9 seconds over the quarter mile, with the Shelby GT500 maintaining the lead.
A hairpin turn revealed the Challenger’s weight loss, pulling 1.14 Gs compared to the Shelby GT500’s 1.35 Gs. Despite the valiant efforts of the Black Ghost, the Shelby GT500 crossed the finish line with a respectable time of 33.2 seconds at 143.3 miles per hour (230.6 kilometers per hour), securing the win.
As the drag race drew to a close, it was clear that American V8 muscle cars continue to impress, even as the future brings more fuel and emissions regulations. The third-gen HEMI engine family, including the Challenger’s powerful V8, is making an appearance, paving the way for new technology and powertrains in upcoming models.
While the future may hold exciting prospects for American muscle cars, fans will no doubt appreciate the legacy of these V8 monsters that have ruled the sedans for decades. As we say goodbye to the third-gen HEMI engine, it’s a testament to their persistence in the world of automotive performance.
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