The Ford Mustang Mach 1 has a storied name in muscle car history. First introduced in 1969, it was designed to bridge the gap between the standard Mustang and the high-performance Shelby models. Revived in modern form, the latest Mach 1 maintains its legacy with a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8, enhanced aerodynamics, and improved handling characteristics.
On the other hand, the Nissan Z has a long legacy of delivering affordable sports car thrills. Over the years, Nissan has refined and evolved the Z lineup, with the latest 2024 model paying homage to its predecessors while incorporating modern technology and performance upgrades. Adding Nismo parts enhances its capabilities, making it a strong competitor, but can it take on Mach 1?
This particular Nissan Z featured in a drag race video from Sam CarLegion isn’t stock. It’s fitted with a complete Nismo exhaust system, which sounds fantastic and arguably better than the standard Nismo model. The car also has a carbon fiber engine cover for weight reduction and an upgraded strut bar to improve cornering stability. Perhaps the most significant change is the Nismo air intake, which enhances airflow and boosts horsepower. These mods add around 11 extra horsepower and 12 lb-ft of torque.
The Mustang Mach 1, on the other hand, packs a 5.0L naturally aspirated V8, producing 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Like the Z, it’s rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission. However, it is heavier at 3,844 lbs than the Nissan’s 3,500 lbs. That weight difference could come into play during the races.
