Watch A Ford Focus RS Race A Mustang GT

Ford Mustang GT vs Focus RS (Credit: YouTube)

There’s no replacement for displacement? That’s what some people claim, but with advances in turbocharging and other technologies, you have to admit cars like the Ford Focus RS achieve some pretty impressive performance.

Top Gear had a brilliant idea, pitting the Focus RS against a Mustang GT in a quarter mile. The two cars cost about $40,000, so when it comes to price they’re on par. That’s about where the similarities end.

The Focus RS of course has a four-banger, and thanks to the wonders of forced induction, a peak 350 horsepower. All-wheel drive is also part of the mix.

Then there’s the Mustang GT, with its mighty 5.0-liter V-8. A peak 435 horsepower on paper seems to give the little pony an edge, but rear-wheel drive isn’t ideal for a quick launch.

You might be surprised to see which of the two wins, and how close the race was.