In continuous production since 1964, the Ford Mustang pony/muscle car has solidified itself as one of the most legendary American automobiles. With the latest iteration, the S650, gaining widespread attention, fans of this iconic vehicle can’t help but celebrate the existence of both the EcoBoost and the Coyote V8 versions. The Mustang GT and Dark Horse models allow enthusiasts to embrace their love for raw power while not having to worry about retirement or adapting to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution just yet.
Meanwhile, other American muscle cars are facing uncertain futures. The Chevy Camaro, with no successor in sight, is set to bow out of the race. Similarly, the Dodge Charger and Challenger models are undergoing transformations to fit into the EV lifestyle. Rumors suggest that the Charger will return to its original two-door slot and may feature Hurricane inline-six engines and Banshee EV options instead of the iconic Hemi V8. However, for now, fans can still witness these impressive machines in action at their local dragstrips, like the one at Island Dragway in Great Meadows, New Jersey.
Recently, the racing-focused ImportRace channel on YouTube treated viewers to a thrilling showdown involving a Ford Mustang Mach 1, a mighty Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, and a brawny F-150 pickup truck. The centerpiece of this clash was the Ford Mustang Mach 1, which represents the last hurrah of the S550 generation.
The high-octane action took place during a Black Friday event, where, instead of hitting their credit card limits in a frenzy of holiday shopping, these car enthusiasts opted to put their vehicles to the test on the quarter-mile dragstrip.
The first race pitted the gray-orange-and-black Ford Mustang Mach 1 against a white Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. With expert technique, the Mustang stormed out of the gate, catching the 707-horsepower sedan off guard. The Blue Oval coupe comfortably secured the victory with an impressive elapsed time (ET) of 11.57 seconds, leaving the Mopar trailing with a disappointing 12.89 seconds. Surprisingly, even the S650 Dark Horse with the drag pack and a front seat delete could only manage a time of 11.8 seconds!
In a show of sportsmanship, the Mustang owner offered to give the Hellcat a second chance, and they switched lanes for the rematch. Determined to regain its honor, the Charger driver made sure to start with precision. As a result, the Mopar racer reached the finish line first, thanks to a higher trap speed. However, when the ETs were analyzed, it became evident that the mighty Mach 1 had once again claimed the victory, clocking in at 11.52 seconds compared to the Charger’s 11.71 seconds.
Next up was the matchup between the mildly tuned Mustang—equipped with an E85 tune, long tube headers, and sticky Mickeys—and a formidable Ford F-150 XL. While the Mustang was favored to win, the F-150 driver proved their skills behind the wheel. Despite being a Single Cab model and employing aerodynamic tricks like dropping the tailgate, the weighty F-150 put up a commendable fight. Ultimately, the Ford Mustang Mach 1 emerged as the winner, crossing the finish line with a slight advantage of 11.66 seconds compared to the F-150’s 11.82 seconds, thanks to its superior trap speed of 120 mph compared to the F-150’s 116 mph.
The races showcased the incredible performance and power of the Ford Mustang Mach 1, as it outshone both the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and the Ford F-150 XL. With its impressive acceleration and fierce determination, the Mustang proved once again why it remains a revered name among American muscle car enthusiasts.
As the automotive world continues to evolve, it’s clear that the Ford Mustang is not ready to bow out just yet. This iconic car, now in its seventh iteration, continues to captivate with its timeless design and exhilarating performance. Whether it’s burning rubber on the dragstrip or delighting drivers on the open road, the Ford Mustang is poised to remain a symbol of American automotive excellence for years to come.
