The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 from the S550 generation is the fastest, most powerful Mustang in the model’s extensive history. Still, with traction limitations and standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), the Shelby model won’t out-sprint these four eclectic performance-oriented options. Check out some launch-happy sprinters with an appetite for snakes, like the BMW M5 and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. 

What is the fastest production Mustang?

The 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is the fastest, most powerful factory Mustang ever. Ford’s halo GT500 will hit 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds on its way to an 11.3-second quarter-mile sprint. 

Speed like that lives at the intersection of stiffness and volcanic power. While the GT500’s 4,171-lb curb weight might not be dainty, its power-to-weight ratio is higher than the lighter Ford Mustang GT. Of course, it helps that the Shelby GT500 produces 760 horsepower from its supercharged 5.2L V8, over 300 more than the standard Coyote-powered GT. 

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 might be fast, but these cars can keep up or even outrun the supercharged ‘Stang

• Tesla Model 3 Performance
• Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (PDK)
• Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
• BMW M5

While the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a track-day star and range-topping Mustang model, it doesn’t take a purpose-built drag car to outrun it in a sprint to 60 mph. In fact, only half of the vehicles on this list have fewer than four doors: the light, agile Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and the Porsche 718 Cayman. 

Will a Tesla Model 3 Performance outrun the fastest production Mustang?

It’s an odd pairing, but the Tesla Model 3 Performance and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 share an attribute: neck-snapping acceleration. However, the 2023 Tesla Model 3’s 3.1-second dash to 60 mph makes it the quicker of the two, even with less power. 

Of course, the Model 3’s quarter-mile time isn’t quite up to GT500 standards; the baby Tesla crossed the line in 11.6 seconds in Car and Driver’s testing. Of course, on a track or roadholding course, the AWD Model 3 Performance would be hopeless to compete with Shelby’s superpowered snake. 

Is the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 fast?

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 takes the fun formula of the junior 911 and adds razor-sharp handling and lightning-fast launches. A 718 Cayman GT4 hit 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and roadholding test results of 1.07 g, per Car and Driver.

As a result, the 718 Cayman GT4 will outrun the fastest production Mustang to 60 mph. However, by the time the cars hit the end of the quarter mile, the Shelby GT500 is 0.3 seconds quicker. Still, considering the GT4 produces 414 horsepower from its sing-songy 4.0L flat-six-cylinder mill, it’s impressive that the diminutive Porsche can go toe-to-toe with the supercharged Shelby. 

Is a GT500 faster than a Corvette?

The C8-generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray evolved beyond the front-engine layout of the C7. With its new mid-engine application, it became quicker and sharper than ever before. For instance, the base Corvette Stingray will hit 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, over half a second quicker than a Shelby GT500. 

Moreover, even with a power disparity of around 265 ponies, the C8 Corvette Stingray will continue to outrun the Shelby until it crosses the quarter mile at 0.1 seconds quicker than the GT500. 

Is the BMW M5 fast?

Like the many M5s before, the latest BMW M5 is seriously fast. In testing, the sleeper sedan hit 60 mph in a blistering 2.6 seconds and finished the quarter mile in just 10.6 seconds. 

The M5’s speed is courtesy of its explosive 627-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8, grippy AWD, and quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, the BMW M5 isn’t alone in the luxury sleeper sedan segment; cars like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and Audi RS7 are similarly swift.