Shelby GT500 vs Challenger SRT Hellcat: Which Is Quicker?

A modern Shelby GT500 does not have one universal result against “a Hellcat” because Dodge offered several Hellcat power levels. The 2020–2022 GT500 makes 760 hp and 625 lb-ft through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. A standard Challenger SRT Hellcat was rated at 717 hp, while Hellcat Redeye versions were rated substantially higher. The exact race result therefore depends on which Challenger, tires, surface and test type you mean.

The previous AutoZonic article mixed older 500-hp GT500 specifications with the modern 760-hp car, gave the GT500 the wrong transmission and treated every Hellcat as one model. Those AI-generated errors have been removed.

GT500 vs Hellcat: define the cars first

Which has more power?

Against a standard 717-hp Hellcat, the GT500 has the factory horsepower advantage. Against a 797-hp Hellcat Redeye, the Redeye has the higher headline horsepower figure. That alone still does not decide a drag race.

Which launches harder?

Launch performance depends heavily on tire, surface preparation, temperature and driver inputs. The GT500’s 7-speed DCT was engineered for extremely rapid shifts and launch performance. The Challenger’s result changes with exact Hellcat variant, tire package and transmission.

AutoZonic therefore no longer presents one mixed-source 0–60 number as a guaranteed winner.

Quarter-mile and roll racing

Ford described the modern GT500 as capable of a quarter-mile in under 11 seconds. Hellcat variants have their own factory and independently tested performance levels, but a fair comparison requires the exact Dodge configuration and identical conditions.

In a roll race, launch traction matters less and power, gearing, aerodynamics and starting speed become more important. A standard Hellcat and a Redeye should not be treated as the same opponent.

Track use is a different comparison

The GT500 was developed with large Brembo brakes, MagneRide suspension, extensive cooling and available Carbon Fiber Track Package hardware. A Challenger Hellcat emphasizes a different mix of straight-line performance, road use and package-dependent chassis hardware. “Which wins?” on a road course therefore cannot be answered from horsepower alone.

Practical answer

• GT500 vs standard Hellcat: GT500 has more factory horsepower and a dedicated 7-speed DCT.
• GT500 vs Hellcat Redeye: Redeye has more headline horsepower; actual acceleration still depends on conditions and configuration.
• Modified cars: once either vehicle is tuned, factory comparisons no longer apply.

Related Shelby GT500 guides

• 2021 Shelby GT500 specs
• Modern Shelby GT500 top speed
• Shelby GT500 research hub

References

• Ford Performance Parts — GT500 engine output
• Ford Media Center — GT500 performance and DCT
• Dodge — Challenger Hellcat/Redeye/Super Stock power context

About this article

Updated August 9, 2026 by the AutoZonic Editorial Team. This legacy AI comparison was rewritten to separate standard Hellcat, Redeye and modern GT500 specifications instead of mixing generations and transmissions.