Ford Mustang GTD vs Dark Horse, What's The Difference?
Since its debut in 1964, the Mustang nameplate has been synonymous with American performance and style. With the onset of the seventh generation, the lineup gets the Dark Horse and GTD additions. Let’s uncover the key differences between the Ford Mustang GTD and Dark Horse. Learn why the GTD, inspired by the GT3 race car, is priced at $300,000, while the Dark Horse redefines American muscle for just under $60,000.
Published June 29, 2024
What's The Fued?
The Ford Mustang is one of the most versatile and reliable muscle cars you can buy with ease. Since its inception in 1964, it has embodied American muscle performance. Today, the Mustang offers everything from daily drivers to track-focused models, continuing its legacy.
However, with the onset of seventh generation(S650), Ford is pushing the envelope a little too far with the Mustang GTD and Dark Horse, and I've been asked on several occasions what differences does both cars have apart from their badges. The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse price starts at $58,935, which is a good $16,000 more expensive than the Mustang GT. That said, the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD (Grand Touring Daytona) is expected to fetch an asking price of a whopping $325,000. Having said that, the price difference is quite justified and I'll tell you how.
Mustang Platform
2025 Ford Mustang GTD - Source: Ford Media
Since we are talking about the difference, we first need to eliminate the only similarity between them, and that would be the platform. The Mustang GTD and Dark Horse share the same Ford CD6 Platform however, the GTD takes a completely different approach as compared to the regular Mustang.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse - Source: Ford Media
The main difference between both of these cars is the purpose. The Ford Mustang GTD has taken a race car approach, based on their Mustang GT3 race car. On the other hand, the Dark Horse took the American muscle term and dialed it up to 100. Both continue the legacy of the Ford Mustang, but each carries a distinct attitude
Form or Functionality
2025 Ford Mustang GTD Side - Source: Ford Media
They both look like Mustangs, that’s for sure, however, the prominent differences are also visible in the aesthetic department. The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is a purpose-built race car for the streets and comes with a much more aggressive body than any of the muscle siblings.
At the front, we get an aggressive front splitter, vented hood, and massive active rear wing that offers more function over form in the ethos of the car. Adding to that, the Mustang GTD is also 4 inches wider than the regular Ford Mustang GT. The extensive use of carbon fiber makes sure that it weighs lighter as well. Also, the rear wings on the GTD are active, which means it can change form to foster speed and downforce wherever required, similar to the current gen Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse Side - Source: Ford Media
On the other hand, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse resembles the regular Mustang GT much more than the GTD. That said, it is surely the most rumbling Mustang to date. It comes with several ‘evil’ touches including a unique lower bumper with glossy fangs, lower side skirts, a fixed rear wing, and a new race-inspired diffuser. Also, Ford made a special badge for the car that is placed everywhere reminding you that you don’t have anything ordinary.
Under The Hood
Ford Mustang GTD Engine & Performance
Ford Mustang GTD - Source: Prova MO, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Under the hood, the section is where you can find the majority of differences in both the models. The Ford Mustang GTD comes with a race-spec 5.2 Liter supercharged V8, which is a more potent version of the powerplant found in the GT500. As the GT500 bid goodbye in 2022, the engine, also known as Predator V8 went straight to drawing board at the Ford. The engine produces a mind-bending 800+ horsepower via a lightweight carbon fiber driveshaft connected to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission redlining at 7,500 RPM. This helps the GTD sit among the most powerful Mustang engines from the Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Detroit.
Ford Mustang GTD Rear - Source: Ford Media
To further compliment the track performance, Ford also implemented a dry sump oil system, which allows the engine to be mounted lower in the chassis due to a shallow sump profile, one of the advantages of using a dry sump system. This further lowers the center of gravity aiding in better handling dynamics and helping in reducing oil starvation under heavy g-loads when oil sloshes.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse Engine & Performance
Ford Mustang Dark Horse Front - Source: Ford Media
Going to the other side, the Mustang Dark Horse is by no means a slow car, the heart of matter here is the 5.0 Liter Coyote V8 engine which produces 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. This engine is shared with the Mustang GT but gets more power than the standard 486 horsepower. As far as the transmission duties go, a TREMEC TR 3160 6-speed manual transmission has been kept as the go-to standard gearbox. This transmission lets you pull out some tricks with its rev matching and no-lift shifting. The automatic afficiandos get an optional 10-speed SelectShift for an additional $1,595.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse Rear - Source: Ford Media
The engine includes a dual throttle body for improved engine breathing. To further supplement the performance there are NACA ducts, an auxiliary engine cooler, a lighter radiator, and a rear axle cooler included in the car.
Purposefully Made
Ford Mustang GTD Wheel - Source: Ford Media
If we talk about the equipment, everything used in the GTD serves a purpose. To reach the racecar level performance, Ford has included a semi-active suspension and a Multimatic DSSV spool valve system that can vary both spring rates and ride height.
This system, while enhancing the handling capabilities, should also increase the top speed by 15-30 MPH. Talking about speed, the GTD as claimed should boast a top speed of 190+ MPH. As per Ford, the race car is set for sub-7 minute targeted Nürburgring Time. Talking of which, Mercedes AMG ONE currently holds the lap record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife for street-legal vehicles with a 6 minutes and 30.70 seconds time.
The GTD was bred on track with input from various professional racing drivers and also boasts several race specs components. These include the likes of lightweight 20-inch magnesium wheels covered with Michelin R compound tires, carbon ceramic brakes, and lightweight titanium Akrapovič exhaust. All of these make it one of the fastest pony cars to ever come out of the factory.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse Wheels - Source: Ford Media
On the other hand, the Mustang Dark Horse is equipped in a more road-friendly way. This is the first Mustang performance name in the last 21 years after Mustang Bullitt which was introduced in 2001. Ford is also providing a handling package to improve the maneuverability of the car. Ford claims it is the most track-capable 5.0 V8 Mustang to ever walk the Earth.
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