From Car and Driver · Jack Fitzgerald · · 2m
Mustang Dark Horse SC Outperforms GT500 in Speed Tests
2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC beats 2020 Shelby GT500 in 0-60 mph sprint by half-second.
In brief
2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC beats 2020 Shelby GT500 in 0-60 mph sprint by half-second. The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC outperforms the 2020 Shelby GT500 in acceleration tests by half-second, while the 2025 Mustang GTD wins overall. Originally reported by Car and Driver.
Speed Comparison
The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC beats the 2020 Shelby GT500 to 60 mph by more than a half-second.
Acceleration Results
The Dark Horse SC reaches 30 mph in 1.3 seconds, 60 mph in three flat, 100 mph in 6.3 seconds, and crosses the quarter-mile in 10.8 seconds at 134 mph.
GT500 Performance
The GT500 trails by four-tenths to 30 mph, six-tenths to 60, eight-tenths to 100, and six-tenths at the quarter-mile marker, which it manages in 11.4 seconds at 132 mph.
GTD Acceleration
The 815-hp GTD sails through each goalpost ahead of its lesser pony car siblings, reaching 30 mph in 1.2 seconds, 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, 100 mph in 6.1 seconds, and through the quarter-mile in 10.6 seconds at 133 mph.
Stopping Power
The Dark Horse SC stops from 70 mph in 131 feet and 100 mph in 261 feet, while the GTD stops from 70 mph in 132 feet and 100 mph in 262 feet.
Cornering Grip
The Dark Horse SC achieved 1.06 g’s of grip on the skidpad, while the GT500 gave 1.13 g’s and the GTD managed 1.17 g’s.
Price Comparison
An unoptioned SC coupe costs $108,085, while the GTD starts at $327,960, with the GT500 priced at $92,495 in 2020 dollars.
Overall Winner
The GTD wins overall with the best acceleration, stopping power, and cornering grip, while the Dark Horse SC is the quickest but last in cornering grip.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC outperforms the 2020 Shelby GT500 in acceleration tests by half-second, while the 2025 Mustang GTD wins overall.
What it means
The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC outperforms the 2020 Shelby GT500 in acceleration tests by half-second, while the 2025 Mustang GTD wins overall.
