The 2026 RTR Spec 5 is not a 750-hp Mustang in the available published test: MotorTrend lists its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 at 860 hp and 650 lb-ft. The relevant Shelby comparison is the 2020–2022-generation GT500, rated by Ford Performance at 760 hp and 625 lb-ft in its 2022 brochure. The RTR has more stated power, but the two figures come from different sources, and the published evidence does not establish a same-condition performance winner.
How much horsepower does the RTR Spec 5 have?
MotorTrend’s test of a 2026 RTR Spec 5 lists 860 hp at 7,500 rpm and 650 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The car is based on a Mustang GT and fitted with RTR upgrades, including a more powerful engine tune, Borla cat-back exhaust and carbon-fiber composite body kit. MotorTrend describes the tested configuration as a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-passenger coupe with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 and six-speed manual. Read MotorTrend’s 2026 RTR Spec 5 test.
That corrects the title’s 750-hp figure for this tested 2026 version. The published output is a specification for MotorTrend’s test car, not a guarantee that every Spec 5 has identical output or performance.
How does it compare with the 2020–2022 Shelby GT500?
Ford Performance’s 2022 Shelby GT500 brochure lists 760 hp at 7,300 rpm and 625 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm for the supercharged 5.2-liter V8. That is a specific S550-generation reference, not evidence of a 2026 GT500. The Spec 5’s published figures are higher, but horsepower alone does not establish which car is quicker or better suited to a particular kind of driving.
#1 Best Overall
- Pullback Action: Experience realistic racing with the pullback action feature.
- Opening Doors: Explore the intricate interior details with the opening door feature.
- 1:38 Scale: Enjoy a detailed 1:38 scale die-cast model (approx. 5 inches long).
- Authentic Design: Modeled after the iconic 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500.
- Display Piece: A must-have collectible for car enthusiasts and model collectors.
| Specification | 2026 RTR Spec 5 | 2022 Shelby GT500 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and output | Supercharged 5.0-liter V8; 860 hp at 7,500 rpm and 650 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm (MotorTrend test-car specification) | Supercharged 5.2-liter V8; 760 hp at 7,300 rpm and 625 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm (Ford Performance brochure) |
| Transmission in cited material | Six-speed manual (MotorTrend test car) | Not stated in the cited 2022 brochure reference |
| Tires | Michelin Pilot Sport 4S FP: 305/30ZR20 front, 315/30ZR20 rear (MotorTrend test car) | Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in 305–315/30R20 sizes on the base car; Pilot Sport Cup 2 with the Carbon Fiber Track Package (Ford Performance brochure) |
| Braking hardware | Not stated in the cited MotorTrend test reference | 16.53-inch front rotors and Brembo six-piston fixed calipers (Ford Performance brochure) |
| Price reference | $159,999 base; $164,995 as tested, per MotorTrend’s report | Not stated in the cited 2022 brochure reference |
| Warranty reference | Three years/36,000 miles on MotorTrend’s tested car | Not stated in the cited 2022 brochure reference |
The sources describe different kinds of vehicles: RTR starts with a Mustang GT and adds upgrades, while Ford presents the GT500 as a Ford Performance-developed Shelby model. Ford’s brochure says the GT500 was engineered for drag strip, track or street and claims a sub-11-second quarter mile; that manufacturer statement is not an instrumented result directly comparable with MotorTrend’s test of the RTR.
Is the RTR Spec 5 faster than a Shelby GT500?
MotorTrend measured its RTR test car at 3.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and 11.8 seconds at 126.6 mph in the quarter mile. It also recorded a 96-foot 60-to-0-mph stop, 1.05 g of lateral acceleration and a 23.6-second figure eight with 0.90 g average. Those are results for one car under that publication’s test conditions.
Rank #2
- Brand new 1/18 scale diecast car model of 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 White with Blue Stripes "Special Edition" die cast model car by Maisto. Brand new box. Real rubber tires.
- Has steerable wheels. Has opening hood, doors and trunk.
- Made of diecast with some plastic parts. Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
- Dimensions approximately L-10, W-4.75, H-3 inches.
There is no directly comparable GT500 instrumented test in the cited material. Ford’s brochure quarter-mile statement uses a different evidence type, so it cannot settle which car is faster in a controlled, like-for-like comparison. A meaningful comparison would require both cars tested under the same method and conditions.
How much does a 2026 RTR Spec 5 cost?
MotorTrend reported a $159,999 base price and $164,995 for its tested car. It also reported a $15,000 paint-to-sample option and $1,199 racing harnesses as available options. These are publication-time figures, not a live dealer quote. MotorTrend characterized the starting price as about $110,000 above a Mustang GT Premium fastback.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #3
- 1/24 Rechargeable Fast Car For Kids - Equipped with two rechargeable batteries. Can be used about 20-30 minutes for each battery after fully charge (which depends on the operation). Remote Control Car speed can reach up to 15 KM per hour for an exciting driving experience.
- Super Cool Model Car Toy - 1/24 scale RC car is great size for inside use. It need rechargeable batteries for cars(included) and 2 * AA batteries for remote controllers(not included). Easily to have a great fun in anytime. 6+ Year old boys girls gifts toys.
- Dazzling Headlight - The bright headlights will glow with forward motion. It is out of this world when the dazzling headlights glowing in the dark. Wheels are made of high quality rubber to prevent slipping. ABS strong plastic body to prevent scratching.
- High-Quality Materials - The non-toxic ABS rugged plastic body can prevent scratches and effectively avoid damage caused by collisions. This remote control car equipped with flexible and anti-shock wheels works best on the flat surface with a perfect arc of super vehicle body and can be used indoors or outdoors. Your kids have a lasting and happy entertainment.
- The Perfect Gift for kids – This Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 car is the best choice for your child to race with friends and share happy time with family.
The same report said production was limited to 100 owners globally, including 50 in the United States, with 300 planned over the car’s life cycle. It noted those numbers could change depending on Mustang timing; they should not be read as a current inventory count.
Is the RTR Spec 5 worth the premium over a Mustang GT?
That depends on whether the buyer values the Spec 5’s supercharged output, distinctive bodywork, chassis and performance upgrades, and limited production enough to justify a substantial premium over a GT. MotorTrend praised the tested car’s build quality, performance, handling and systems integration, while describing its price as high and reporting that stickers were starting to peel on its test car. Those are observations about one reviewed vehicle, not a prediction of every owner’s experience.
Rank #4
- Ford Officially Licensed RC Drift Car: Faithfully recreates the 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 appearance and details, increase the fun of drift racing. This 1:24 scale model equipped with racing tires and drift tires, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Upgraded the Chassis Structure: This 4WD chassis features four shock absorbers (front and rear). The upgraded chassis structure enables smoother drifting.
- Full Proportional Throttle Remote Control: This drift car can reach speeds of up to 20 km/h, and with its fully proportional throttle, you can control your speed with precision.
- Long Time Use: With two 3.7V 500MAH batteries that can last a total of 50 minutes.It also comes with remote control batteries, ready to use right out of the box.
- With Lights and Speed Adjustments: With Front and Rear Lights,and Upgraded Under body Light, can drift at night. The speed levels can be adjusted using the controller. Suitable for different types of players.
MotorTrend lists the test car at 4,059 pounds with 56/44 front/rear weight distribution. Its Michelin Pilot Sport 4S FP tires are specified as 305/30ZR20 front and 315/30ZR20 rear. Verify the wheel and tire fitment on the individual car before buying replacements; model and package differences can matter.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which car suits which kind of driving?
- Consider the RTR Spec 5 if you want a GT-based, supercharged Mustang with a six-speed manual in the tested configuration, high published output and a limited-production package. Its tested road-course and braking results offer useful context, but are not a guarantee for every car or driver.
- Consider a 2020–2022 GT500 if the Ford Performance-developed Shelby model and its documented track-focused equipment—such as the available Carbon Fiber Track Package tires and specified front braking hardware—better match your priorities. The cited brochure also positions it for drag-strip and street use.
- Compare actual examples on condition, configuration, fitment, warranty, availability and price. The GT500 brochure is not a current used-market guide, and the cited sources do not establish resale value, reliability or maintenance costs for either choice.
Do not confuse the Spec 5 with the factory 2026 RTR Package
Ford’s October 15, 2025 announcement covers a separate 2026 Mustang RTR Package for EcoBoost, with styling and chassis/performance hardware and a Ford-patented, race-derived anti-lag feature. It is not the supercharged GT-based Spec 5 tested by MotorTrend. Ford’s 2026 performance page lists the Mustang GT at 480 hp, or 486 hp with available active-valve exhaust; the Dark Horse at 500 hp; and the Dark Horse SC at 795 hp. These are distinct models and configurations. Ford’s announcement of the 2026 factory RTR Package and Ford’s 2026 Mustang performance lineup provide the factory-model context.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pullback Action: Experience realistic racing with the pullback action feature.
- Opening Doors: Explore the intricate interior details with the opening door feature.
- 1:38 Scale: Enjoy a detailed 1:38 scale die-cast model (approx. 5 inches long).
- Authentic Design: Modeled after the iconic 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500.
- Display Piece: A must-have collectible for car enthusiasts and model collectors.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
