The DragTimes YouTube channel produces a lot of exciting auto content – drag racing videos, ¼ mile runs and reviews of the fastest cars in the world.
This video started with a nice little introduction of a bunch of cool supercars, including three McLarens (720s, 675LT, MP4-12C) and a Mercedes SLR. But neither of them made a run on the drag strip (at least in the video).
Instead, the main event was a ½ mile drag race between the 2018 Ford GT and 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
The Ford GT won convincingly, getting a good gap early in the race and keeping it throughout the entire run.
The speed trap at the end of the line recorded 157.78 mph on the Ford GT and 157.12 mph on the Dodge Demon. So, the speed difference wasn’t that big.
To understand why the Demon lost, we need to look at the stats first:
| Car | 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon | 2018 Ford GT |
| Engine | 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 | 3.5-liter, twin turbo V6 |
| Power (hp) / Torque (lb/ft) | 840 / 770 | 647 / 550 |
| Weight (lbs) | 4,280 | 3,400 |
| Power to weight (hp per 10 lbs) | 1.962 | 1.902 |
| Drag coefficient | 0.376 | 0.388 |
| Frontal area (m2) | 2.42 | 1.779 |
| Drag area (m2) | 0.909 | 0.69 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed dual clutch transmission |
| MSRP | $84,995 | $503k |
The Dodge Demon has more power, more torque, and better power to weight ratio. So why did it lose?
Well, for a start, the dual clutch transmission will usually shift faster than an automatic. During shifting, power going to the wheels drops to zero, so there a little advantage for the GT.
A big advantage is the 700-pound weight difference. Even with so much power under the hood, the Challenger is significantly heavier and all the power is going towards compensating the weight.
Another reason is aerodynamics. Even though the Demon actually has a better drag coefficient, because of its big bulky shape, its total drag area is 24% larger than the Ford GT. That means more wind resistance, slower acceleration, and slower top speeds.
The final reason and one mentioned in the video was the launch quality. A notable thing was the Dodge didn’t pull out a wheelie. Its driver either didn’t push it hard enough or pushed it too hard.
Listening to the footage of the Dodge Demon cam, it sounds like the driver went hard on the gas only after shifting into second gear. This is exactly when the GT pulled ahead, so it may just be a case of not driving it hard enough.
Last but not least it’s worth talking about the price. With more than $400,000 difference in prices, it’s reasonable to expect Ford put a lot more effort and tech inside the GT.