Their different market positioning makes it seem like the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and the Lexus RC F Track Edition probably won’t be cross-shopped. But under the hood, these two have more similarities than one might expect.

Both are powered by naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8s. On paper, the Mach-1 has the upper hand, as it makes 480 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. The Lexus, meanwhile, isn’t that far behind, with 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. The sound made by those engines is good no matter which one you go for, but the Mustang’s roar is a little more raucous than the RC F’s.

One of the biggest differentiators in this test is the transmission. The Lexus gets an 8-speed automatic, which the hosts call effective but old-fashioned. In contrast, the Mustang uses the GT350’s six-speed manual transmission, which they say is near-perfect.

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The RC F’s interior is, as you’d expect, premium . Its seats, fancy carbon fiber and quality materials all contribute to an air of luxury. The Mustang, on the other hand, is nothing to write home about.

Then again, the Mach 1 is significantly cheaper. It starts at $64,500 CAD ($52,720 USD), while the RC F Track Edition starts at $120,000 CAD in Canada (in America the Track Edition was replaced by the $97,625 USD Fuji Speedway Edition for 2021, though their features are almost identical). So it makes sense that the Lexus is more luxurious inside. You can get into an RC F with the same power, though, for $85,000 CAD ($65,975 USD), but you’re giving up on the special edition’s rarity and its carbon hood and fixed wing.

Although the Mach 1 is special, there are just four RC F Track Editions going to Canada and 60 RC F Fuji Speedway Editions coming Stateside. So there could be some value in its exclusivity.

Despite that price gulf, the Mach 1 feels like the better track car. More planted and easier to get off the line, it is the grippier of the two. The RC F, meanwhile, is just as eager to go sideways as it is in any other direction.

Ultimately, though, the hosts agree that what makes a real difference is the transmission. Ford should be happy, then, that it decided to save the manual.