What Is the Fastest Ford Mustang?

February 10th, 2024 by

Since it debuted in 1964, the Ford Mustang has been one of the company’s bestselling cars. The range includes four-cylinder models, V-6s, V-8s, and high-performance Mustangs, ideal for drivers who love high speeds. Our team at Riverside Ford gathered information about the fastest Ford Mustang and other powerful Mustang models, including safety when driving at high speeds.

The Fastest Ford Mustang Available

Fastest blue vintage mustang parked in parking lot near Macon, Georgia.

The fastest Ford Mustang is the 2013 Shelby GT500. Its 5.8-liter supercharged V-8 engine generates 662 horsepower and 631 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and its braking distance from 60 mph to zero is only 101 feet. This Mustang’s top speed is 200 mph, and it can travel a quarter of a mile in 11.6 seconds. Coupe and convertible models are available, and you can choose from these attractive colors:

  •  Black.
  •  Deep Impact Blue.
  •  White.
  •  Sterling Grey.
  •  Candy Red.
  •  Race Red.
  •  Grabber Blue.
  •  Ingot Silver.

The 2013 Shelby GT500 also has 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels. The front wheels have a 19-inch diameter and 15-inch vented Brembo brakes, while the rear wheels are 20 inches wide with 13.8-inch brakes. The four-sensor antilock braking system (ABS) integrates with all-speed traction control. The 2013 Shelby GT500 engine is durable and reliable and can reach 6,500 rpm for plenty of acceleration. When you rev this motor, you’ll get lots of power and a smooth ride.

Other Powerful Mustangs

There are several other fast, powerful Mustangs you may consider.

The 2020 Shelby GT500

The 2020 Shelby GT500 has a supercharged, 5.2-liter V-8 motor that makes 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission provides quick shifting. This sports car’s top speed is 180 mph, and Ford says it can go from zero to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. It can travel a quarter of a mile in 10.7 seconds and reach up to 7,300 rpm.

A limited number of 2020 GT500KR or King of the Road models are available, each offering over 900 horsepower. They have a carbon-fiber hood, front splitter, and rear diffuser. The 3.8-liter, supercharged engine comes with a heat exchanger and a high-volume intercooler. The optional Carbon Fiber Track Pack deletes the rear seats and adds carbon-fiber wheels, track tires, an extended rear wing, Recaro seats, and carbon-fiber interior trim.

The 2016 Shelby GT350

The 2016 Shelby GT350 provides 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. It can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and its top speed is 180 mph. This Mustang comes with a six-speed manual transmission. It’s track-ready, and you can still use it for your daily commute.

With the GT350R trim level, you’ll get lightweight carbon fiber wheels and advanced aerodynamic body pieces, including a larger rear wing. This model deletes the air conditioning, rear seats, tire inflator kit, and sound system. It’s more than 130 pounds lighter than the GT350.

The 2000 Mustang SVT Cobra R

The 2000 SVT Cobra R has a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V-8 engine that delivers 385 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. When Ford introduced it, it was the fastest factory Mustang ever made. Ford only created 300 of these vehicles, which are only available in Performance Red Clearcoat. The SVT Cobra R can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and its top speed is 170 mph. It can go a quarter of a mile in 12.9 seconds, and its track-capable, 13-inch Brembo brakes can take the SVT Cobra R from 60 mph a full stop in 109 feet.

Standard features include Recaro racing seats, a front air splitter, a side-exit dual exhaust, and a high-mount rear wing. The SVT Cobra R doesn’t include features that aren’t necessary for track use or would add excess weight.

Mustang Safety at High Speeds

The Ford Mustang comes with a variety of advanced safety features to help you and your passengers feel confident and protected at high speeds. All models perform well in crash tests, and the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. All-electric Mustangs include the following:

  • Pre-collision assistance with automatic emergency braking.
  • Forward collision warning.
  • Pedestrian detection.
  • A blind-spot information system with rear cross-traffic alert.
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities and speed sign recognition.
  • Parallel and perpendicular parking assistance.
  • Post-collision braking.
  • Front and rear braking assistance.

Front-impact air bags for drivers and passengers protect people’s heads during a crash, and side-impact air bags safeguard torsos. Overhead air bags shield your head in case of a high-impact crash or rollover, and knee air bags cover your lower extremities. All seats have three-point seatbelts that adjust automatically when you move for outstanding comfort.

The ABS keeps the Mustang’s wheels from locking during heavy braking, allowing you to steer away from obstacles while braking. The ABS monitors each wheel’s rotation speed, and it modulates brake pressure when it detects a wheel that might lock for better braking safety. Electronic stability control integrates with traction control to keep the wheels on the pavement, even in slippery conditions or at high speeds. It applies the brakes selectively and reduces engine power when needed.

Choose Your Favorite Mustang at Riverside Ford

Our knowledgeable, friendly team at Riverside Ford in Macon, Georgia, can help you choose a Mustang that’s fast, powerful, and fun to drive. We offer an extensive inventory of new and used vehicles. Contact us to take a test drive and select your next Mustang. Our experienced finance team will help you get an awesome car with affordable payments. You can also visit our service department to keep your vehicle in top shape and enjoy thrilling rides. Our sales department is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.

Mustang Shelby GT500 by rulenumberone2 is licensed with CC BY 2.0 DEED