Tale of the tape
The matchup
This matchup pits the last of the manual V8s against a family SUV packing Hellcat power. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse is all about classic muscle, while the Jeep Trackhawk brings modern performance with its supercharged V8. Both represent different ends of the performance spectrum, making for an intriguing drag race.
Off the line
The Mustang Dark Horse, with its rear-wheel drive, will rely heavily on driver skill to launch effectively. At 372 kW, it delivers solid torque, but the Trackhawk's all-wheel drive and 522 kW mean it should get off the line quicker. Expect the Trackhawk to take the holeshot, leveraging its superior grip and power delivery.
The back half
As they approach the back half of the strip, the Trackhawk's extra power should start to widen the gap. With its 11.5-second quarter-mile time, it indicates a strong top-end performance that the Mustang may struggle to match. The Mustang, while powerful, will need to rely on its gearing and driver finesse to close the distance.
The x-factor
Driver skill could play a crucial role here, especially for the Mustang. Factors like track prep and weather conditions may influence grip levels, impacting the launch. Keep an eye on battery state for the Trackhawk, as it can affect performance, but it’s less of a concern compared to traditional petrol engines.
Check out the embedded video to see how this showdown plays out without revealing the result.
Questions from the fence line
Which is faster in a drag race?
The Jeep Trackhawk is faster in a drag race, with a quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds compared to the Mustang's 12.1 seconds.
What drivetrain do these cars use?
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse uses rear-wheel drive, while the Jeep Trackhawk features all-wheel drive.
How much power do these cars produce?
The Mustang Dark Horse generates 372 kW, while the Jeep Trackhawk boasts a hefty 522 kW.