It’s all-wheel drive versus rear-wheel drive. It’s convertible versus fastback. It’s British brawn versus American muscle. Sports car performance comes in many flavors. Today’s video brings together a sophisticated British convertible and an American pony car for a performance mashup that is a lot closer than you might think.
To make it even more interesting, TFL Car brought along IndyCar racer and TFL Car test driver, Justin Wilson, to pilot both the Jaguar F-Type R and Ford Mustang GT around the IMI Motorsports test track. On paper the Jaguar has a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 delivering 550 horsepower through an 8-speed automatic to all four wheels. The Mustang GT has a normally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 sending 435 fiery ponies through a 6-speed manual to the rear wheels.
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British Brawn vs American Muscle Performance Mashup
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| 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE R | 2015 Ford Mustang GT | |
| Engine | 5.0L supercharged V8 | 5.0L V8 |
| Power | 550 hp @ 6500 rpm | 435 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 502 lb-ft @ 2500 – 5000 rpm | 400 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Layout | all-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Curb Weight | 3,847 lbs. | 3,705 lbs. |
| 0-60 mph at 1 mile above sea level | 4.44 sec | 6.21 sec |
| Top speed (mph) | 186 | 155 (est.) |
| Base Price | $106,450 | $32,300 |
Comparing the specs for each car, it would seem that the Jaguar F-Type R, with more than a 115 horsepower advantage and all-wheel drive, would pound the Mustang GT into the pavement and take its lunch money. Okay, it might not be a close race. Or is it?
Watch this video and find out how close the Mustang performs against the F-TYPE when it is lapped around the track and if it can retain some if its dignity in a flat-out drag race.
