As a racer, a Fusion Sport built for safety might not carry the same cachet as a Dodge Charger, but YouTuber Sam CarLegion is hellbent on finding out how well this Ford would hold up to one of North America's most cherished muscle cars. The legacy surrounding the Fusion, especially the recently-discontinued Sport, isn't great. In 2019, the automaker recalled several Mexican-built 2006-2009 Fusions. Transmission issues also dogged Fusions as early as 2010. Despite those shortcomings, and in a video released Thursday, CarLegion still found out this Ford a worthwhile contender to line up against the Dodge.
Both Cars Feature AWD And V-6 Engines
Although Ford punted the Fusion Sport out of its lineup, CarLegion said many Fusion communities continuously mod their vehicles to stay current with speedsters from other automakers, although the one he's slated to drive is predominantly stock. This six-speed automatic all-wheel drive, which goes for $35,000, features a 2.7-liter, turbocharged V-6 delivering 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.
Taking on the Sport is an eight-speed automatic four-wheel drive, valued at $34,000 and powered by a 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V-6 kicking out 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. But CarLegion thinks his 4,000-lb. Fusion has a power-weight ratio advantage over the Charger, which carries an additional 250 lbs. "I think it's a bit heavy," said CarLegion about the Dodge, "but nonetheless, we're going to find out on a quarter mile. Let's roll."
Fusion Enjoys Horsepower Advantage
Putting the Fusion into Sport mode with the traction setting on, CarLegion quickly outpaces the Dodge from a stationary start. "There is no hope for the Charger," CarLegion, looking out the side window for his opponent. "I am gone by, like, two buses."
The competitors try another series of runs in Sport mode, this time without the Ford's traction feature, while running the race from a rolling start. In the end, the Fusion still won, but not by much. CarLegion attributes the Ford's victory to its lighter design, additional horsepower and all that torque, which especially contributed to faster starts.
CarLegion Specializes In Drag Pairings
While interesting, this showdown was hardly unique to CarLegion, who's made a name for himself with a wide array of drag pairings. In previous episodes, the car enthusiast has pitted a Mazda against a VW Golf, A Honda Civic against a Hyundai Elantra, and even a BMW against a Tesla.
Source: Sam CarLegion