In the latest episode of Edmunds U-Drags, the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray lines up against the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in a head-to-head battle of American performance. The test: a unique drag course that starts with a standing quarter mile, throws in a hard brake, 180-degree turn, and a sprint back to the finish.
The Stingray brings 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque to the fight, aided by Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and GM’s excellent launch control system. The Mustang counters with 500 hp and 418 lb-ft, riding on grippier Pirelli Trofeo RS tires—but it lacks launch control in its automatic variant.
Predictably, the Corvette jumps ahead at launch thanks to its mid-engine layout, superior weight balance, and refined transmission. The Mustang struggles for grip, losing precious time at the start. Once underway, however, the Dark Horse proves a solid match—fast, stable, and confidence-inspiring through the corners. Still, it never manages to catch up with the Corvette. The same thing happened after the two drivers switched cars.
In the final numbers, the Corvette hits 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and runs the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 120.4 mph. It also achieves a max cornering force of 1.23 g and completes the whole course in 33.8 seconds at 130.7 mph.
