Performance cars come in a variety of configurations these days, and the new Sam CarLegion YouTube video features three of them. The Ford Mustang GT500, Nissan GT-R, and Mercedes-AMG GT S are an eclectic collection of high-powered engines that are far from equal on the spec sheet, and the video shows how those differences translate to drag strips.
The GT500 hides a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 under its hood, which delivers 760 horsepower (566 kilowatts) and 625 pound-feet (847 Newton-meters) of torque to the rear wheels. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sits between the two.
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The AMG GT S has a smaller twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that also lowers power, producing 515 hp (384 kW) and 494 lb-ft (669 Nm) of torque. It drives the rear wheels via a seven-speed gearbox. It has one advantage over high-powered ponies – its weight, at 3,627 pounds (1,645 kilograms) compared to the 4,171-lbs (1,891-kg) Ford.
The Nissan GT-R is the happy middle of the two. A twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 powers the Nissan and spins all four wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine produces 565 hp (421 kW) and 467 lb-ft (633 Nm) of torque. It weighs 3,915 lbs (1,774 kg).
The Mustang may have all the power in this competition, but drag racing is more than that. Launch is also important, and this is where the Mustang struggles. In both dugout races, Ford was slow from the starting line, leading to two third-place finishes. The GT-R’s all-wheel drive helped it secure two early wins, with the AMG GT S taking second place.
Eliminate the standing start, and the Mustang shines. It could put more force into the ground than struggle for traction, and it accelerated away from the GT-R and GT S, unable to catch up. The second rolling race, with the car in manual mode, ended in Mustang’s second win. The other two competitors stood no chance, with the GT S finishing in second and the GT-R in third.
