Mustang GT Takes Down Pricier Merc C43 AMG in Interesting Drag Race
Mustang GT uses its power advantage to outrun a pricer, all-wheel-drive C43 AMG in a series of races.
The S550 Mustang GT has long held a reputation for being a pretty darn quick car in a straight line, particularly when equipped with the quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Of course, there are faster cars out there, but they’re usually considerably more expensive. However, this Mercedes C43 AMG actually makes less power than a new GT, but in this case, has the benefit of 4Matic all-wheel-drive.
These two very different cars line up for a series of drag races in this video from YouTuber Sam CarLegion, and the results are undoubtedly interesting. Our host notes that these two cars make around the same power, but that isn’t really true when you crunch the numbers. The S550 Mustang GT is a 2019 model, which means that its 5.0-liter Coyote V8 cranks out 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
The C43 AMG comes equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that produces 385 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, which flows to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. It isn’t light at 3,825 pounds, but the Mustang in this race is a convertible, meaning that it’s also a bit portly at just over 3,860 pounds. Thus, one might think the Mercedes has an edge here.
In the first race, it does, as the Merc uses its superior traction to leap off the line and take home the win from a dig in normal mode while the pony car struggles to hook. However, the Mustang launches much better the second time around and these two cars are neck and neck before the Ford edges ahead for the win. In race number three, the two cars flip over to sport mode and switch drivers, and the Mustang absolutely leaves the AMG in the dust.
In a repeat of the third race, the Mercedes hooks a little better, but the Mustang still pulls away after a fairly even start. With the Ford fully established as the superior car from a dig, the two square off for a series of roll races. Unsurprisingly, this only widens the margin of victory as the Mustang, which surprises our host with its impressive acceleration.
“We got the idea,” he says. “Your car is quicker than I thought, to be honest. I came here with the idea that your Mustang was not going to win, but yours is quicker in many ways and it’s hooking up nicely. The 10-speed automatic transmission just does miracles.” Of course, this is nothing that we Mustang fans don’t already know, but it’s always nice to see a pony car take down a more expensive luxury barge.
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