Since the very beginning, the Ford GT has always been the top tier of American performance cars. From the timeless GT40 of the mid-20th century to the tech-packed GT of today, each one was a staple in its respective era. To see how each GT stacked up against one another, Carwow decided they would pit all three generations against each other in a series of races.
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By now, most are familiar with the legend of the GT40, though this particular example is a Mk III, the road-only successor to the movie-inspiring, 1966 Le Mans-winning Mk II. Some might be surprised to hear that its 4.7L V8 only makes 306 hp (310 PS / 228 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque, but then again, the whole car only weighs 2,712 lb (1,230 kg).
Then there’s the 2005 GT. Built to commemorate Ford’s 100th anniversary, this car was a faithful tribute to the original. Its 5.4L supercharged V8 pumps out 550 hp (557 PS / 410 kW) and 500 lb-ft (678 Nm) of torque, and the car weighs 3,351 lb (1,520 kg).
Moving to the 2017 GT, many people will bemoan Ford’s decision to give it a twin-turbo V6 instead of the traditional V8, but the numbers speak for themselves. The car may weigh 3,274 lb (1,485 kg) wet, but it’s the most powerful of the bunch with an impressive 647 hp (656 PS / 482 kW) and 550 lb-ft (746 Nm) of torque on tap.
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In the drag race, the ’05 GT and the ’17 GT were neck and neck off the line, but the new one’s extra power and quicker transmission helped it take the lead. In the roll race, a similar result ensued, with the ’17 GT getting away even quicker this time.
Needless to say, the GT40 got left for dust in both races. On top of its power deficit, it’s also a priceless antique, so it’s less likely to be driven to the limit due to its value and fragility. That being said, we have to commend the Petersen Museum for keeping such an important piece of history in running condition, as well as the car’s driver for getting on it at all.