2013 GT500 vs 2020 GT500 Battle Ends in a Draw

Two Shelby GT500s. Two Mustang platforms. Born seven years apart. Manual vs Dual-Clutch. Can an old pony hang with the new King Cobra?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Mustang Forums does NOT condone nor encourage street racing.

The 2013-14 Mustang Shelby GT500 sat on the Mustang Horsepower thrown for seven model years until Ford reintroduced the nameplate for 2020. In 2013, the GT500 featured 662 horsepower supercharged 5.4 L engine, and the only transmission option was a six-speed manual. For 2020, the new GT500 boasts a 760 horsepower supercharged 5.2 L engine, and the only transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch. The 2013 GT500 weighs in at 3,850 to 3,969 lbs, depending on options. And the 2020 iteration weighs in at around 4,225 lbs. The 2013 GT500 was built on the live-axel S197 Mustang platform. The 2020 GT500 is built on the IRS-equipped S550 platform.

So, how much difference did seven years make?

If you watch YouTuber StangMode’s above video, you’ll see the visual differences and hear the powertrain variances. But with a few mods — including longtubes, an upper pulley swap, intake, tune, exhaust, and a sticky tire — this particular 2013 GT500 is putting down about the same amount of power as StangMode’s stock 2020. (Both are in the 670s at the wheel.)

In this case, the competition comes down to the type of race as well as the location. The 2013 model has a weight advantage, but the 2020 model has a transmission advantage. (Again, while we aren’t claiming to be angels, we do not condone illegal street activities). In the case of StangMode’s escapades, whichever GT500 had a passenger tended to lose. Which, of course, is simple physics.

In other words, the contest is effectively a draw.

While the new 2020 GT500 is still better equipped for winding track courses than its older sibling, and would benefit even further from similar types of modifications, it’s still great to see the most beastly S197 ever sold hang in there with the new King. It shows the stoutness of that older platform, as well as the incredible engineering Ford poured into that particular Mustang.

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Michael S. Palmer

Michael S. Palmer began his career assisting and developing content for Academy Award-winning and studio-based film and television producers. He has been a professional writer since 2008, when he joined the Writers Guild of America West (WGAw). As a journalist and Content Editor/Manager, he has covered numerous emerging imaging, theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, and automotive technologies. He currently spends his days creating original content at the Internet Brands Automotive Group for some of the world's largest online automotive communities, including Ford Truck Enthusiasts, CorvetteForum, ClubLexus, AudiWorld, and LS1Tech. He still owns his first car, a 1987 Mercury Cougar; adores driving his Boss 302 Mustang; and recently teamed with Chevrolet Performance, Holley, Magnaflow, Eaton, Wilwood, Michelin, Chemical Guys, Summit Racing to build his first project car. Installing an LS3 E-ROD Connect & Cruise system into a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon made his eight-passenger wagon faster than a C5 Corvette to 60mph and 50 state emissions legal. His wife and daughter are very patient.

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