Today, we’re going to find out how much faster a Ford Mustang GT becomes after hardcore tuning. Specifically, this is a drag race between a Mustang GT with a Roush kit and a stock model.
This is obviously not a fair comparison, and it’s not meant to be. But the aftermarket Mustang GT market is huge, one of the biggest in America, and the Roush name sits right at the top in terms of reputation. So the result of the drag race needs to be total destruction; otherwise, you’re just blowing money.
The stock 2021 Ford Mustang GT has a very familiar setup. Its 5.0-liter V8 engine sends 450 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. This is a convertible, which is another disadvantage because it increases its total weight to 3,910 pounds.
Meanwhile, the 2021 Mustang GT Roush makes 750 horsepower and 670 lb-ft of torque from the same 5.0-liter V8, which has been supercharged. Somehow, it also weighs a lot more than the convertible at 4,182 pounds. I feel like that’s a mistake since a GT automatic is supposed to be 3,816 lbs.
Roush Mustang GT drag race results
The two Mustang V8s are lined up on a track in Canada. These aren’t ideal traction conditions, but at least it’s not as cold as during the TRX vs. Land Rover drag race. YouTuber Sam CarLegion wants to do the first race in Sport Plus mode with traction control on.
Both muscle cars launch well, and it’s actually the stock convertible in the lead. It actually wins the first race convincingly because there’s something wrong with the Roush. But the second race reveals the kind of gapping we expect from a 300 horsepower difference.
Sam says there was an issue with the Roush which he describes as “misfiring.” It’s addressed quite simply by turning it off and on again. But can you imagine the humiliation of being gapped by a stock Mustang GT convertible in the real world?
It’s not like the car is slow, though. In the roll race that follows, we get a full sample of what the supercharger can do. It’s not only faster but also sounds way better.
Roush Mustang GT mods
The Roush Stage 3 Mustang kit adds $25,000 on top of the base vehicle’s price. You can also opt for the new 775 HP Power Boost package which adds another $5,000.
The performance gains come courtesy of an active exhaust system with quad tips and a Stage 2 supercharger. However, Stage 3 comes with a number of other upgrades, which range from cosmetic to functional.
As you probably noticed, the Roush Mustang looks a little different. That’s because it’s fitted with the R9 Aero Body Kit. Behind the revised front grille sits a new powertrain cooling package, a given when you consider the heat generated by all that extra power.
Roush also installs new 20-inch wheels with Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires and have have a unique calibration for the MagneRide suspension. There’s also the option of Amaretto leather seats with quilting and Roush logos, but these haven’t been fitted here. What’s nice is that you can order these through a dealer and it’s covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
