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Corvette ZR1 and Ford Mustang GTD define America

The Corvette ZR1 and Ford Mustang GTD are two different beasts, but we asked our readers which one they prefer

 The Corvette Zr1 And Ford Mustang Gtd Define American Performance, But Which One Is Better?
  • Ford and Chevrolet are preparing to launch high-performance sports cars with more than 800 horsepower.
  • The Corvette ZR1 is even more powerful, with an estimated 1,064 horsepower.
  • The ZR1 will also likely be a lot cheaper, as the GTD is expected to cost around $325,000.

The latest Mustang’s GTD moniker makes it sound like it’s diesel-powered, which is a good match for the Corvette ZR1 unveiled yesterday. With a sticker price of $325,000, the model’s value already seemed questionable, but now it’s even more so.

As you no doubt already know, the Corvette ZR1 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter flat-plane crankshaft V8 that produces 1,064 hp (793 kW / 1,079 PS) and 828 lb-ft (1,121 Nm) of torque. It’s coupled to an upgraded eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. Chevrolet officials tell us this should allow the car to “easily” reach a top speed of over 215 mph (346 km/h) and run the quarter mile in 9.7 seconds at 150 mph (241 km/h).

MORE: The 2025 Corvette ZR1 is a 1,064-horsepower supercar with a top speed of 215 mph

Things are a little less impressive in Dearborn, as the Mustang GTD is powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 with over 800 hp (597 kW / 811 PS). Ford didn’t reveal much about performance specs, but we think the difference is around 264 hp (197 kW / 268 PS).

While it’s obvious that a pony car needs more horsepower, performance isn’t just about the engine. The GTD features lightweight carbon fiber body panels, a host of aerodynamic styling tweaks, and a clever rear suspension with independent windows.

Unfortunately, Ford has said a lot and said nothing. The lack of substance is unsettling, but the company recently revealed that the car’s performance package will add a swooping wing and a larger front splitter as well as underbody flaps and a rear wing for drag reduction. The performance package also includes a lightweight package that eliminates some of the sound deadening material while also adding 20-inch magnesium alloy wheels.

One of the few specs Ford released was a targeted top speed of over 190 mph (306 km/h). That’s not much to say, but the Vette should be able to “easily” reach a top speed of over 215 mph (346 km/h).

Additionally, Chevrolet revealed that the ZR1 will be able to generate more than 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms) of downforce at top speed. The car will come in multiple versions for slightly different purposes. As officials explained at a media briefing last month, the standard ZR1 is the “top speed king,” while the ZTK version is the “track king,” able to stick to the road thanks to its aggressive aerodynamic package. The latter includes a huge rear wing, front dive planes, and a Gurney lip mounted on the hood. They are joined by underbody slats, stiffer springs, revised shock absorbers, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires.

Michael Gauthier/CarScoops

Needless to say, the Mustang doesn’t look anything special right now. Its interior is slightly more modern, though, with a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch infotainment system. The latter makes the Corvette’s 8-inch display look downright small. Of course, the Vette’s interior doesn’t look like it was ripped straight from a $32,000 coupe.

With all that said, are you Team Corvette or Team Mustang?

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