With all this talk over the 2020 Shelby
GT500, it's no wonder that many are wondering how it pairs to its
now little brother, the Shelby GT350R. By the numbers, they are certainly two different vehicles that
cater to two different kinds of drivers. The Shelby GT350R is an all-around driver's car that has just
the perfect amount of power for a well-balanced ride whether it's on a backroad or road course. On the
other hand, the Shelby GT500 takes all of that and turns the volume knob up to 11 - raw power with zero
compromises for performance whether it's a straight line or hard cambered turns.
We've had the amazing opportunity to get both of these vehicles together for a head-to-head comparison
that truly brings to light which Ford Performance vehicle is best for the type of driver you are.
GT500 vs GT350R: Back-To-Back Autocross Comparison
Naturally, after taking these two cars out on the street, it was time to take these cars somewhere we
could push them further to the limit. Thanks to Dixie Region SCCA and South Georgia Motorsports Park, we
were able to take the Carbon Fiber Track Pack GT500 and GT350R out on the autocross course to see what
they could put down.
The results may surprise you - so check out the video below!
GT500 vs GT350R: Review & Driving Impressions
Thanks to a local Steeda customer, Charles S., for loaning us his beautiful 350R, we were able to get our
CFTP 2020 Shelby GT500 R&D vehicle sitting next a 2019 Shelby GT350R in none other than stunning Orange
Fury with black stripes. We took both cars for a spin back-to-back to compare and contrast the feeling
the driver gets behind the wheel, and more importantly which car would be best for you.
GT500 vs GT350R: The Basics
With a naturally aspirated 5.2L flat-plane crank V8, the GT350R screams all the way to its 8,250 rpm
redline. With the Tremec TR-3160 6-speed manual being the 350's only available transmission, Ford has
its finger on the pulse that this car is truly meant to be a driver's car. Just think about it, the
Shelby GT350 was launched in late-2014, early-2015. Ever since then, and even today -- 5 years later --
the GT350R still holds its own against many other vehicles double its MSRP. Now, that's certainly saying
a lot!
On the other hand, the Shelby GT500 takes all the most amazing attributes of the GT350R and adds another
200 horsepower - in more than just the engine compartment. Swapping over to a conventional cross-plane
V8 and adding a 2.65L Eaton Supercharger, the GT500 puts out an asphalt-melting 760 horsepower and 625
lb-ft of torque. And in order to effectively handle that much power both on the street and the track,
the GT500 is only available with a Tremec TR-9070 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. That's right, no
'man' pedal. Does it matter to us? Heck no! This car makes nearly 700 horsepower to the wheels, yet you
still feel like you're driving a Miata. Yes, it's really that easy.
GT500 vs GT350R: Exterior & Interior
GT500 vs GT350R: Exterior
The Shelby GT350R hasn't changed much in the past five years it's been available on the S550 platform.
Aside from new color changes like the addition of Orange Fury for the 2018 model year and Ford
Performance Blue for the 2019 model year. Even so, the styling of the GT350R still stands out just as
good, if not better, than the day the car was released. With the sloping front end and extremely low
splitter, even at stock ride height, the GT350R has an aggressive stance that exudes both form and
function. Combine that with the aggressive offset 19” carbon fiber wheels, red Brembo brakes, a large
carbon fiber wing and a loud color like Orange Fury - and you've got one beautiful Mustang.
The Shelby GT500, on the other hand has a different approach when it comes to those who want to be seen a
mile away. The 760 hp powerhouse under the hood begs for as much cool air as possible through the front
fascia. This means that the Ford Performance engineers and designers needed to work together to open up
that front end to allow for maximum cooling potential for the numerous coolers and radiators that makeup
the GT500. Combine those efforts, and you get a gaping mouth that looks like it will eat you as it
utilizes all that horsepower passing you on the back straight at Virginia International Raceway. Get
yourself the hyper track-focused $18,500 Carbon Fiber Track Package (CFTP) and you'll net yourself
carbon fiber wheels cutting down on 60 pounds of rotating mass, a giant carbon fiber GT4 wing, revised
suspension and much more.
GT500 vs GT350R: Interior
The interior of the Shelby GT350R remains similar to past recent model years. Standard analog gauges are
still the norm, with no available digital dash, along with cloth Recaro seats. The 2019 model year
introduced new red accent stripes into the seats and carbon fiber instrument panel to the 350R. Red
accents are the dead giveaway that you're sitting in an “R,” and we're totally okay with that. We'd like
to see the addition of the digital dash to the GT350 lineup, however, we know that kind of option isn't
what this car was intended for - driving hard and fast.
The Shelby GT500 simply just feels special as you sit in the driver seat. Rightfully so, with a base
price north of $70,000. Regardless, you're welcomed with optional leather Recaro seats that embrace you
regardless of how fast you're cornering, along with white accents and stitching throughout the inside of
the car that break up and contrast the rest of the black interior well. You'll see a matching alcantara
steering wheel with white stitching and sight line at the top that tie in well to the rest of the
interior. Should you glance down at the center console, you'll see a dial. That's right, a dial is in
place of your standard shifter-style gear selector. This is to accommodate the 7-speed dual-clutch
transmission. We're also ecstatic to see the 12” LCD Digital Instrument Cluster standard across all
GT500s with unique Ford Performance and Cobra logos sprinkled throughout - simply making this car a
one-of-a-kind Mustang.
GT500 vs GT350R: Engine & Performance
When it comes to engine and performance, these two vehicles are totally different animals. The 526
horsepower naturally aspirated motor in the GT350R is well-balanced for the chassis, has little wheel
spin, points and shoots where you want it to go and is an all-around great car on-track.
The GT500 takes every single one of those aspects and amplifies ten-fold. It's very necessary too. With
760 horsepower at the crank, you need a transmission that will handle those kinds of torque numbers, a
driveline that will stand up to repeated abuse, more cooling for the additional heat from the
supercharger, more aero to keep the car planted at speed and massive brakes to stop the now 4,000+ pound
vehicle.
There's a ton of research, development and engineering that went into the GT500, but the outcome almost
makes you chuckle as you stomp on that gas pedal -- the Ford Performance Team actually found a way to
make 760 horsepower easy to put to the ground. And that's whether you're attempting to drive in a
straight line or exiting a corner at speed.
When it comes to handling, both cars are amazing. However, the GT350R provides a much more level-headed
ride. This car will ride nicely on the street in normal mode, but in track mode will stiffen up the
MagneRide and truly unlock its potential. On the other hand, the GT500 with the Carbon Fiber Track
Package in combination with 20-inch wheels has some pretty stiff spring rates, regardless of driving
mode. On track, this proves to make the 4,000+ pound beast handle extremely well. However, road manners
are a bit more rigid in comparison to the 350R.
305/30R20 103Y / 315/30R20 104Y, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
305/30R19 98Y / 315/30R19 100Y, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
2020 Shelby GT500 vs GT350R: Dimensions
Vehicle Dimensions
2020 Shelby GT500, CFTP
2020 Shelby GT350R
Wheelbase
107.1 in
107.1 in
Track, Front/Rear
63.8 in / 64.4 in
63.3 in / 63.7 in
Length x Width x Height
189.5 in x 76.6 in x 53.7 in
189.7 in x 75.9 in x 53.6 in
Turning Circle
44.1 ft
40.4 ft
Curb Weight
4,006 lb *
3,713 lb
Weight Distribution, Front/Rear
56% / 44%
54% / 46%
Seating Capacity
2
2
Headroom, Front/Rear
37.6/— in
37.6/ — in
Legroom, Front/Rear
45.1/— in
44.5/ — in
Shoulder Room, Front/Rear
56.3/— in
56.3/ — in
Cargo Volume
13.5 cu ft
13.5 cu ft
*Steeda measurement, less than 1 gallon of fuel.
2020 Shelby GT500 vs GT350R: Performance Specs
Performance Stats
2020 Shelby GT500, CFTP
2020 Shelby GT350R
0-60 MPH
3.6 sec
3.9 sec
0-100 MPH
7.0 sec
8.6 sec
0-100-0 MPH
10.7 sec
N/A
Quarter Mile, ET/MPH
10.73 @ 133 MPH **
12.2 sec @ 119 mph
Braking, 60-0 MPH
94 feet
99 feet
Lateral Acceleration
1.05 g (avg)
1.08 g (avg)
MotorTrend Figure Eight
23.5 sec @ 0.89 g (avg)
23.1 sec @ 0.89 g (avg)
3.3-mi Road Course Lap (VIR Full Course)
1:56.30 sec
N/A
Top-Gear Revs @ 60 MPH
1,550 rpm
1,800 rpm
**Tested by Steeda at South Georgia Motorsports Park, 1/18/2020
2020 Shelby GT500 vs GT350R: Consumer Info
Consumer Information
2020 Shelby GT500, CFTP
2020 Shelby GT350R
Base Price
Base: $72,900
w/ CFTP: $92,495
Base: $60,440
GT350R: $73,345
Stability/Traction Control
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
Airbags
8: Dual front, side, curtain, knee
8: Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, front knee
Basic Warranty
3 yrs/36,000 miles
3 yrs/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty
5 yrs/60,000 miles
5 yrs/60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 yrs/60,000 miles
5 yrs/60,000 miles
Fuel Capacity
16.0 gal
16.0 gal
Fuel Economy, EPA City/Hwy/Comb
12 City / 18 Hwy / 14 Comb, MPG
14 City / 21 Hwy / 16 Comb, MPG
Recommended Fuel
Unleaded premium
Unleaded premium
Source: MotorTrend | Car & Driver
GT500 vs GT350R: Photos
Shelby GT500 & Shelby GT350R At Steeda
If you think this is all we're going to do with these cars, then think again! We're proud to be able to
have access to these amazing Ford Performance vehicles, and we plan on doing everything we can to
deliver as much information as we can to you! Not only because we use these cars for research and
development for new Steeda parts, but also because we like to see what these cars can do in stock form
before we start turning a wrench!
Stay posted to this page as we'll continually be making updates as we do more with these Ford Performance
vehicles. Be sure to like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to stay up-to-date on
anything and everything Ford & Mustang!
