Ford Mustang Bullitt takes on Lexus LC500 in very green V8 drag race

For fans of the film, Bullitt, the latest Ford Mustang Bullitt should be something to write home about – or at least we imagine it. The Highland Green paintwork pays homage to the film’s iconic car chase that involved a 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Fastback.

With the Shelby GT350’s intake manifold, throttle body and airbox, the Mustang Bullitt has a few more ponies compared to a classic Ford Mustang GT. 20 more ponies, to be exact – not too many, we know, but there’s the Mustang Shelby GT500 for those who want a lot more.

What we didn’t know, however, is that the Mustang Bullitt squarely matches a Japanese coupe in terms of power. We are talking about the Lexus LC500, and in this video of Carwow, it’s also in green and they’re heading to a drag race.

Both coupes are powered by an naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8. Both produce roughly the same engine power, sent to the rear wheels. The main differences between the two are their prices, weights and transmissions.

The LC500, being a luxury vehicle, is more expensive than the Mustang Bullitt, while the pony car exclusively comes with a six-speed manual transmission as opposed to the Japanese coupe’s 10-speed automatic.

Weight is another factor, and this is where the Mustang has a major advantage since the LC500 is at least 100 kilograms (220 pounds) heavier.

Considering the similarities and differences between the two, and the fact that the race was held in the pouring rain, who do you think won the straight-line race? Watch the video at the top of this page and see how one of the different factors affected the results.