When the Ford Mustang Dark Horse debuted with the S650 generation, it quickly established itself as a serious performance benchmark. Since launch, it has taken on a long list of respected rivals in straight-line battles, and its latest opponent is no exception. In a new drag race video from Throttle House, the Dark Horse lines up against the all-new Dodge Charger Sixpack, giving fans a modern take on a classic muscle car rivalry.

On paper, the matchup seems tilted in Dodge’s favor. The Charger Sixpack uses a twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six producing 550 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, paired with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. By comparison, the Mustang Dark Horse relies on a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 delivering 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque, sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic.

However, the Mustang brings a key advantage to the table: weight. The Dark Horse checks in at 3,993 pounds, while the Charger tips the scales at a hefty 4,816 pounds. That difference becomes especially important once the cars are rolling, and it plays a major role in how the races unfold.

In cold, unprepped conditions, the Charger’s all-wheel drive helps it jump ahead early, earning a win in the first run. But once traction variables are reduced, the Dark Horse finds its rhythm. The Mustang takes the win in a rear-wheel-drive-only race and follows it up with another victory in a roll race, showcasing impressive consistency and strong power delivery.

The results highlight two different performance philosophies. The Charger Sixpack excels off the line thanks to traction and torque, while the Mustang Dark Horse rewards balance, weight savings, and repeatable performance. Winning two out of three races against a more powerful, all-wheel-drive rival reinforces the Dark Horse’s reputation as one of the most capable and confidence-inspiring Mustangs ever built.