V8 Supremacy Tested: Mustang, Corvette, and Demon Drag Battle

The Ultimate V8 Showdown: Which American Icon Reigns Supreme?

In the world of roaring engines and visceral power, the V8 is king. But when you pit three of the most formidable V8-powered machines against each other in a drag race, who truly wears the crown? Car Wow lined up the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon for an epic quarter-mile battle to settle the score.

The Contenders: Power, Price, and Performance

Before the tires hit the asphalt, let’s meet the combatants:

• Ford Mustang Dark Horse: Boasting a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, it churns out 507 horsepower and 567 Nm of torque. Mated to a 10-speed automatic, this 1,811 kg machine starts from around £47,000 (approx. $64,000 USD).
• Chevrolet Corvette Z06: This American icon features a potent 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8, delivering a staggering 670 horsepower and 625 Nm of torque. It uses an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic with launch control and weighs in at 1,685 kg, with a starting price of $88,000 USD.
• Dodge Challenger SRT Demon: The undisputed king of raw power, the Demon packs a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing a colossal 819 horsepower and 972 Nm of torque. Driven by an 8-speed automatic with launch control, it tips the scales at 1,941 kg and originally cost around £63,000 (approx. $85,000 USD when last on sale).

The Drivers and The Drama

With the cars lined up, the drivers were chosen via a coin toss. The Corvette Z06 was piloted by NASCAR driver Jesse Euji, who was clearly the most experienced. The remaining two machines, the Mustang Dark Horse and the Dodge Demon, became the subject of a playful rivalry between presenters Matt and Sam. Sam, perhaps sensing the Demon’s overwhelming power, opted for the Mustang, while Matt took the reins of the Demon, embracing the challenge.

The pre-race banter was as fierce as the engines, with excuses already being prepared. Jesse cited a large ZR1 wing on his Z06 as a potential aerodynamic hindrance, while Sam alluded to potential traction issues with the Demon and a possible uphill gradient on his side of the track. Matt, ever the showman, playfully dismissed these as mere excuses.

Race 1: Standing Quarter Mile – The First Salvo

The first race was a straight-up standing quarter-mile drag. From the lights, the Corvette Z06 launched with incredible ferocity, immediately establishing a commanding lead. The Demon, despite its immense power, struggled to put its power down effectively, its rear wheels spinning wildly. The Mustang Dark Horse also experienced traction issues, though it managed to claw its way back somewhat.

Result: The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 took a decisive victory, completing the quarter-mile in an impressive 12.2 seconds. The Dodge Demon followed in second place with 12.4 seconds, and the Ford Mustang Dark Horse brought up the rear at 12.8 seconds.

Race 2: Rolling Race – Torque vs. Traction

Next up was a rolling race, starting at 10 mph, designed to test the cars’ mid-range punch and torque. This format often favors cars with less extreme power-to-weight ratios or better traction. The initial roll saw the Demon struggle again with wheelspin, allowing the Corvette to pull ahead. The Mustang, surprisingly, managed to keep pace initially but was eventually overtaken.

The races that followed were a chaotic ballet of tire smoke and electronic interventions. The Demon’s immense torque proved difficult to manage, often resulting in sideways action. The Mustang, while lacking the outright grunt of the others, showed moments of promise but ultimately couldn’t match the raw pace of the Z06.

Jesse in the Corvette Z06 proved to be the master of traction and controlled power delivery, consistently pulling away from his rivals. While the Demon and Mustang traded places behind him, the Z06 remained the benchmark.

Brake Test and Sound Check

Beyond the drag strip, the video included a brake test, highlighting the stopping power of these performance machines. A sound check also revealed the distinct personalities of their V8 engines: the Demon’s supercharged roar, the Mustang’s classic V8 rumble, and the Corvette’s higher-revving, almost exotic note thanks to its flat-plane crank V8.

The Verdict: Corvette Z06 Reigns Supreme

In the end, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 emerged as the undisputed champion of this V8 drag battle. Its combination of raw horsepower, advanced transmission, and sophisticated launch control system allowed it to consistently outperform its rivals. The 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 proved to be a potent package, delivering blistering acceleration and impressive track times.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, while the most powerful on paper, struggled with its colossal torque, making it a handful to launch effectively. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse, though a capable performer, simply lacked the outright pace to compete with the Z06 and the Demon in a straight line.

Who Should Buy These Cars?

• Chevrolet Corvette Z06: For the discerning driver who wants supercar-level performance with a more accessible price point than many European exotics. It’s for those who appreciate cutting-edge technology and a track-focused experience.
• Dodge Challenger SRT Demon: This is for the drag strip enthusiast, the muscle car purist who craves ultimate straight-line speed and an intimidating presence. It’s a statement car that prioritizes brute force above all else.
• Ford Mustang Dark Horse: A fantastic all-rounder for the performance car buyer who wants a blend of track capability, daily drivability, and iconic American muscle. It offers a more balanced approach than the other two.

While the Corvette Z06 won the drag race, each of these V8 legends offers a unique and thrilling driving experience. The choice ultimately depends on individual priorities: ultimate track dominance, raw drag strip power, or a balanced blend of performance and usability.

Source: Who makes the BEST V8? DRAG RACE (YouTube)