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Shelby GT500 Gets Schooled by Kawasaki H2R

— Should've Stayed in Park

In the world of high-performance machines, few rivalries capture the imagination like the clash
between two titans: the Kawasaki Ninja H2R and the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. These two
vehicles, each a masterpiece in its own right, represent the pinnacle of engineering in their
respective categories. The H2R, a motorcycle that pushes the boundaries of speed and power, and
the Shelby GT500, an American muscle car that embodies raw horsepower and aggressive styling,
are often subjects of debate among enthusiasts. But what happens when these two giants face off in
a drag race? The results might surprise you.

against significantly more powerful
competitors.
The Drag Race: A Clash of
Titans
When the Kawasaki H2R and the
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 line up
for a drag race, the matchup is
intriguing. The H2R's lightweight
design and exceptional acceleration
make it a formidable opponent,
while the GT500's raw horsepower
and torque provide a different kind
of power. The race is not just about
The Kawasaki Ninja H2R: A seconds, narrowly edging out the F1 speed; it's about how each vehicle
Beast on Two Wheels c a r b y 0 . 0 4 s e c o n d s utilizes its strengths.
cite turn0search1 .
The Kawasaki Ninja H2R is not just In a typical drag race, the vehicle
a motorcycle; it's a statement. The Ford Mustang Shelby that can launch off the line with the
Designed for track use, this GT500: American Muscle at most traction and maintain its speed
supercharged 998cc inline-four Its Finest throughout the quarter-mile often
engine produces a staggering 310 emerges victorious. The H2R, with
horsepower. With a top speed of over The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is its advanced electronics and
249 mph (400 km/h), the H2R is one the epitome of American muscle. lightweight frame, excels in quick
Powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged
o f t h e f a s t e s t p r o d u c t i o n launches and maintaining high
motorcycles ever built. Its V8 engine, it delivers an impressive speeds. The GT500, on the other
l i g h t w e i g h t c o n s t r u c t i o n , 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of hand, relies on its powerful engine
torque. With a top speed of around
aerodynamic design, and advanced and aggressive torque delivery to
electronics make it a formidable 180 mph and a 0-60 mph time of overpower competitors.
contender on any racetrack. approximately 3.5 seconds, the
GT500 is built for straight-line However, the outcome of such a race
I n 2 0 1 8 , t h e H 2 R g a i n e d speed and aggressive performance. can be influenced by various factors,
international attention when it including track conditions, driver
competed in a drag race against a In various drag races, the GT500 has skill, and vehicle modifications.
variety of high-performance showcased its power, often While the H2R has demonstrated its
competing against other high-
vehicles, including a Red Bull prowess in races against other high-
Formula 1 car, an F-16 fighter jet, performance vehicles. For instance, performance vehicles, the GT500's
and a Tesla Model S P100D. The in a race against the Hoonicorn performance in similar scenarios
race, held at the Istanbul New Mustang, a heavily modified vehicle suggests that it too is a formidable
producing over 2,200 horsepower,
Airport during the Teknofest contender
Aerospace and Technology Festival, the GT500 managed to hold its own,
was a spectacle of speed and winning a race from a 50 mph roll The Verdict: A Matter of
after the Hoonicorn experienced fuel
engineering prowess. The H2R, Perspective
piloted by five-time Supersport issues cite turn0search6 . This In the end, the question of which
World Champion Kenan Sofuoglu, performance highlights the GT500's vehicle would win in a drag race
completed the quarter-mile in 9.43 capabilities, even when pitted

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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 13 May 2025