Ford GT40 vs Ferrari 250 GTO, one of racing’s greatest rivalries. While one became four-in-a-row champion of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the other is now the most valuable car in the world. Let’s take a closer look at these iconic vehicles and see how they compare.
Engine specs – top speed – horsepower
The Ford GT40 MK1 engine was 4.7 litres, was derived from the one used in the Ford Mustang, and generated about 350 horsepower. The MK2 was fitted with a big-block 7.0-litre V8 taken from the Ford Galaxie. This produced up to 485 hp, according to how it was adjusted. In the MK3, the 4.7 V8 was tuned down to 335 hp. A change in the racing rules in 1968 led to a decrease in the maximum displacement to 5.0 litres. The GT40 was fitted with a 425 hp 4.9 litre V8 engine at this time. It’s top speed was an incredible 164 mph.
The Ferrari 250 GTOengine was the same type 3 L as in the Testa Rossa. The all-metal design with a dry sump carburettor system generated around 300 hp at 7,500 rpm and 294 N⋅m; 217 lbf⋅ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. Being able to go from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds at a top speed of 174 mph, it is somewhat faster than the GT40.
How many were made
A total of 124 GTOs were manufactured, 34 of which were road legal. Sadly, the first two prototype chassis, GT/101 and 102, were both scrapped in the 1960s. If you would like to see the 103 and 104, you can do so at the Shelby Museum in Boulder, Colorado. In contrast, only 39 were built by Ferrari, 33 of the “regular” cars, three with the four-litre 330 engine, at times referred to as the 330 GTO. The 250 GTO is the most expensive used car of all time. The last sale, at an auction in Monterey, California, brought in the world record price of 48.4 million US dollars. No classic car appears to be more sought after than the Ferrari 250 GTO.
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