Shelby GT500 vs. Ferrari 296 GTS: A Quarter-Mile Showdown Between Muscle And Supercar

In a spectacular quarter-mile drag race at Santa Pod Raceway, two automotive icons—Ford’s Shelby GT500 and Ferrari’s 296 GTS—went head-to-head in a thrilling display of power, speed, and technology. Organized with the participation of popular automotive YouTuber Shmee150, this race highlighted the contrasting strengths of American muscle and Italian engineering, making for a captivating battle on the drag strip.

The Shelby GT500, Ford’s most powerful series-production Mustang before the upcoming GTD model, packs a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, identical to the one found in the F-150 Raptor R. This “Predator” engine produces 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque, giving the GT500 a significant power advantage in the muscle car category. On the other side, the Ferrari 296 GTS features a cutting-edge 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor. Together, the hybrid setup generates 819 horsepower and a claimed 546 lb-ft of torque, though Ferrari has yet to release full torque specifications for the combined output.

Despite its power, the GT500 faced a formidable opponent in the Ferrari 296 GTS, a car engineered for peak performance. Weighing just 3,395 pounds, the 296 GTS is much lighter than the GT500, which tips the scales at 4,171 pounds—even with its carbon-fiber wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Ferrari’s mid-engine configuration and Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires provided exceptional traction and launch capability, giving it a significant advantage off the line.

Over the course of three races, the Ferrari consistently dominated, recording a best quarter-mile time of 10.29 seconds. The GT500, while powerful, struggled slightly with traction at the start, achieving a best time of 11.65 seconds. Even though Ford claims the GT500 can complete the quarter-mile in 10.7 seconds under optimal conditions, the Ferrari’s hybrid technology and lighter frame proved decisive. The electric motor’s instant torque propelled the 296 GTS forward with incredible speed, leaving the GT500 to chase.

Although the GT500 didn’t secure a win in this race, enthusiasts of the Shelby brand are eagerly awaiting the next generation. Rumors suggest that the new GT500 could exceed 800 horsepower, and with the GTD setting a new benchmark for Ford’s performance lineup, fans are optimistic about a comeback that will rival even the fastest European contenders.

For now, the Ferrari 296 GTS remains a showcase of hybrid performance, blending advanced technology with thrilling speed. The Shelby GT500, meanwhile, continues to represent the unbridled power of American muscle. Both cars, in their own right, demonstrate how far automotive engineering has come, offering fans a thrilling spectacle and a glimpse into the future of high-performance vehicles.