The Shelby GT500 has been one of the ultimate American muscle cars since its launch, competing hard with the Dodge brutes. However, it’s often said that AMG also makes muscle cars, raw machines with large, powerful V8 engines. So let’s see how the GT500 compares to a much older Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series.
Taking the black means becoming a member of the Night’s Watch in Game of Thrones. But when you’re talking about AMGs, it implies an extreme makeover with track-focused suspension and all the power available. There’s a new model called the AMG GT Black Series that basically matches the GT500 for power. Yet for some reason, Carwow chose to use an old SLS for this drag race.
The SLS is the last exotic you’d think of inviting to a drag race. Those fancy gullwing doors look like they add a lot of waight, plus it’s not supercharged or turbocharged. Yet this video suggests the 2013 Mercedes creation was under-appreciated. Not only does the naturally aspirated V8 produce a substantial 630 horsepower, but it’s also in a much lighter car than the GT500, by about 900 lbs.
The AMG was also criticized for its gearbox and lack of torque, yet none of these flaws are evident, despite going up against new Ford racing tech. As a reminder, the GT500 is motivated by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 that summons 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque.
Now, the race is by no means a stomp. In fact, we wouldn’t even call this a clear result. But on multiple occasions, the SLS Black Series hooks up better and secures a tiny initial lead. Overall, if you love V8s, this has to be one of the nicest races ever. The two are so desirable that every hot-blooded gearhead wants at least one of these added to the collection.
But nothing worth having in life comes cheap. Buying a GT500 is hard and expensive enough, but the SLS Black is so collectable that it’s basically tripped in value over the years.
