S550 Ford Mustang Takes on Viper GTS, Shelby Cobra Replica in Unique Drag Race

This interesting drag race between an S550 Ford Mustang, SR-II Viper GTS, and Shelby Cobra replica proves that weight matters. 

While most have moved on to the S650 model – understandable since it’s the new, shiny thing – the S550 Ford Mustang remains a solid machine capable of doing great things and providing essentially similar performance. The S550 Ford Mustang is also quite the bargain these days, especially compared to the inflated prices of the newer model, which – like the rest of the market – has been impacted in a big way by soaring inflation and the rising cost of goods. Thus, we found this recent three-way drag race between an S550 Ford Mustang, a Dodge Viper GTS, and a Shelby Cobra CSX1000 replica to be rather interesting.

Despite its all-American lineup, this drag race didn’t take place in the U.S., however – rather, it was hosted by the folks at Carwow, which is based out of the UK. On one side, we have the S550 Ford Mustang GT, a 2019 model in this case that utilizes the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 to generate 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, and it’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission – which, as we all know, puts it at a bit of a disadvantage compared to the quick-shifting 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Then there’s the Dodge Viper GTS, which in this case is a first-generation, SR-II model that utilizes an 8.0-liter V10 to churn out 450 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque that’s also mated to a six-speed manual. Finally, these two machines are lining up against a bit of a wildcard in a Shelby Cobra kit car that weighs a lot less and is also packing a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 making the same 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque as the pony car, with a six-speed manual behind it, too.

In the very first drag race between these very different machines, the laws of physics certainly apply as the Cobra rockets ahead to an easy win, followed by the Viper and the Mustang. Even after botching the launch in the second go round, the Cobra once again takes home the victory in race number two, and it wasn’t even close, either. Ultimately, the Cobra replica wound up completing the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds, followed by the Viper at 12.7 clicks and the S550 Ford Mustang at 13.6 seconds.

All that’s left to do after this is see if a 50 mph, half-mile roll race will change up the order at all – which typically proves to be the case as it gives heavier or slower-launching vehicles a slightly more level playing field. In this case, that’s precisely what happens as the Viper takes home a victory, followed by the Cobra and the Mustang. The pony car does take home the braking test win, at least, but overall, this interesting matchup proves yet again that aside from power, weight typically has the biggest impact on performance.

Join the Mustang Source Forums now!

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.