In the world of performance cars, few rival the Ford Mustang or Porsche 911 in their iconic status. Both have been available uninterrupted since 1964, spawning numerous generations and a slew of successful track cars. As of the summer of 2019, when we were executing our 2019 Best Driver’s Car program, no 911 or Mustang better represented the vision of the originals than the 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S. So, we did what one would do when given the keys to 969 hp, 14 cylinders, and $208,000 worth of performance car: chucked the keys to our resident racer Randy Pobst and set him loose on the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to see which is quickest around the track.
From looking at the two cars—both in the metal and on the spec sheet—you’d likely think the Porsche was outclassed. The Shelby GT350, an homage to the legendary Carroll Shelby, is purpose-built by Ford Performance for the track. Under its racing-striped hood sits a Ferrari-like flat-plane-crank 5.2-liter V-8. This high-revving engine (it spins all the way to a staggering 8,200 rpm) makes 526 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque, and it drives its rear wheels through an honest-to-goodness six-speed manual transmission. The Shelby GT350 package is rounded out with updated shocks and springs, heavy-duty brakes, sticky rubber, and enhanced aero built from lessons learned on the Shelby GT500 program. Its 4.0-second 0–60 mph run and 12.3-second quarter mile at 117 mph are impressive enough, but where the Shelby really makes its money is on the figure eight, where it lapped the course in 23.6 seconds while averaging 0.83 g.
The Porsche 911 is the sleeper of the two. Its subtle styling pays tribute to the first air-cooled 911s (not to mention its Volkswagen Beetle roots), and unlike the commanding presence of the Shelby, it seems like it’d be most at home in a dentist’s parking lot, with clean, unfussed lines and a luxurious interior. But this legend hasn’t strayed far from its roots. Sitting just behind the rear seats is a revamped 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 443 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Although all-wheel drive is available, our 911 tester sends its power to the rear wheels through Porsche’s lightning-fast PDK eight-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission. Despite its 83-horsepower deficit compared to the Mustang, the 911’s 412-pound lighter curb weight helps its flat-six punch above its weight. The 911 Carrera S zips from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds and through the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds at 123.8 mph. It’s quicker around the figure eight, too, managing a 23.2-second lap at 0.89 g.
But will the 911 be able to hold onto its lead on Laguna Seca’s 2.238 miles and 11 turns? Check out the Head 2 Head hot lap video below to find out.
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Source: WORLD NEWS
