The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 are two of America’s most intimidating muscle cars, both celebrated for their supercharged V8 engines and tire-shredding performance. While a drag strip settles which car accelerates harder in a straight line, it’s not necessarily the best place to discover which one is the better all-round performer.
The Challenger has the horsepower advantage in factory form, while the Mustang counters with a lighter body and a more compact footprint. Put them on a tight circuit, and the outcome becomes much harder to predict.
That’s exactly what the Driven+ YouTube channel set out to investigate, bringing a 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat and a modified 2011 Shelby GT500 together for a timed track battle. Professional racing driver Sam was tasked with extracting the fastest possible lap from each machine.
Both cars promised spectacular acceleration and unmistakable V8 soundtracks, but their individual setups introduced some interesting complications. As Sam soon discovered, having roughly 700 horsepower available doesn’t guarantee that all of it reaches the pavement effectively.
Two Supercharged V8s, Two Very Different Cars
Steve’s Hellcat featured a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 producing 707 horsepower and 649 lb-ft of torque (880 Nm), paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It weighed in at 5,302 pounds (2,405 kg) and rode on Continental SportContact 7 tires.
Ross’s Shelby GT500 had a tuned 5.4-liter supercharged V8 producing approximately 700 horsepower and 603 lb-ft of torque (818 Nm), up from its original 550-horsepower factory rating. It weighed just 3,825 pounds (1,735 kg) and featured a six-speed manual transmission and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tires.
That gave the Mustang a staggering 1,477-pound weight advantage, despite the two cars producing almost identical horsepower.
The Hellcat Makes a Smoky Impression
Sam immediately noticed the Challenger’s enormous weight and long brake pedal, although its supercharger whine and aggressive power delivery made an unforgettable impression. With stability control disabled, the Dodge produced spectacular slides and tire smoke around the circuit.
Despite its intimidating behavior, the Hellcat completed its timed lap in 53.51 seconds. Sam awarded its engine and entertainment value perfect scores, praising the car’s character even while acknowledging its handling limitations.
The Mustang Has Some Serious Handling Problems
The Shelby’s lighter weight initially suggested an advantage, but its setup proved troublesome. The owner had removed the front anti-roll bar, creating excessive body roll, while the differential struggled to distribute power effectively between the rear wheels.
Sam also criticized the Mustang’s brakes, awarding them just three points out of ten, and described its handling as unpredictable. The Shelby completed its lap in 55.79 seconds, trailing the Challenger by 2.28 seconds despite its substantial weight advantage.
The Hellcat Wins, but Both Deliver a Show
The Challenger emerged victorious, with Sam preferring its more predictable power delivery and overall driving experience. He nevertheless awarded the Mustang’s engine, gearbox, and entertainment value perfect scores.
The result demonstrated how dramatically suspension setup, traction, and braking can influence lap times, especially when dealing with 700-horsepower muscle cars. With the Shelby’s handling problems addressed, a rematch could tell a very different story.