We are used to celebrating a car’s performance by looking exclusively at how long it takes to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h). But the real question is: how long does it take to stop from 62 mph to 0?
Braking is an everyday action, essential for safety. While acceleration is an occasional experience, braking is a constant necessity—and when it matters, every meter counts.
Anyone who drives daily knows that the crucial aspect isn’t so much reaching high speeds as quickly as possible, but rather slowing down as fast as possible—or better yet, in the shortest distance possible—especially to avoid a sudden obstacle.
However, while there are numerous rankings of cars based on their 0–62 mph acceleration times, data and comparisons between different cars in terms of braking distances are very rare.
An exception is the special ranking compiled by MotorTrend, the renowned American automotive magazine, which listed the 10 cars with the best braking performance among all the vehicles they tested.
Before presenting the ranking—where all top 10 cars are equipped with Brembo brakes—a necessary clarification: the braking distance measurements were carried out by MotorTrend, and we have simply reported their ranking,
which you can consult directly at the following link, integrating it with the specifications of the braking system.
The Ranking
With that said, here is MotorTrend’s ranking of the best braking cars in descending order of stopping distance:
The Chevrolet Z06 is a powerful car, weighing over 1.6 tons, powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, code-named LT4, delivering 650 hp and 850 Nm of torque. Contributing to these performance figures are titanium intake valves, forged pistons, and a supercharger generating 9.4 PSI of boost.
The car is equipped with Brembo fixed-caliper brakes—6-piston at the front and 4-piston at the rear—acting on carbon-ceramic discs, measuring 394 mm in diameter at the front (38 mm thick) and 390 mm at the rear (32 mm thick).
The automatic transmission of the tested version reduces the braking distance by one foot (30 cm) compared to the manual version, allowing a stop in 90 feet, equivalent to 27.43 meters.
Although it doesn’t reach the performance levels of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, its cousin, the Grand Sport, represents the pinnacle of American supercars, both aesthetically and in terms of performance: thanks to the Z51 package, it delivers 460 hp and 660 Nm of torque—impressive figures for a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine.
The technical specification of the Grand Sport Z07 version includes a Brembo carbon-ceramic braking system, featuring the same setup as the Corvette Z06 seen earlier: 6-piston calipers and 394 mm diameter discs (38 mm thick) at the front, and 4-piston calipers with 390 mm discs (32 mm thick) at the rear.
The braking distance is also identical to its cousin, 90 feet, or 27.43 meters.
The most advanced expression of technology developed in Maranello, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano embodies the application of knowledge gained by Scuderia Ferrari on the racetrack, particularly in Formula 1. Its 4-liter V8 internal combustion engine is integrated into a hybrid architecture with three electric motors, delivering a combined output of 986 hp.
The driving pleasure of this Ferrari is further enhanced by its Brembo braking system, available with calipers in seven color options. The calipers also feature an integrated aerodynamic fin that efficiently directs airflow from the air intake onto the pads and disc.
At the front, 398 mm carbon-ceramic discs dominate, while at the rear, 360 mm discs are fitted. The braking distance measures 90 feet, equivalent to 27.43 meters.
The seventh-generation Ford Mustang draws inspiration from the original historic model, evident in its muscular stance and sleek silhouette. Under the hood, it houses a 5-liter Coyote V8 engine producing 500 hp at 7,250 rpm and 570 Nm of torque.
The Dark Horse Premium further stands out for aerodynamic and cooling enhancements.
The Mustang Dark Horse features 6-piston Brembo calipers, which in the Appearance Pack version are finished in dark Notorious Blue.
They work in combination with 391 mm diameter front discs, while the rear features 4-piston calipers and 378 mm discs.
It also comes to a stop in 90 feet (27.43 meters).
It’s impossible to start without mentioning the 8.4-liter V10 engine when talking about the Dodge Viper ACR (track setup), where ACR stands for American Club Racer: a beast that, despite being naturally aspirated, delivers 645 hp and 813 Nm of torque.
Keeping it glued to the asphalt is a 1.87-meter-wide rear wing.
The Brembo braking system is equally impressive in terms of absolute performance: at the front, 6-piston calipers are paired with 391 mm carbon-ceramic discs, while at the rear, 4-piston calipers work with 360 mm carbon-ceramic discs.
Thanks to this setup, the Viper ACR manages to stop in just 89 feet, equivalent to 27.13 meters.
When the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was unveiled in 2019, it outclassed every Corvette produced up to that point.
The decisive factor was the 6.2-liter LT5 engine, featuring a supercharging system with a more efficient intercooler than its predecessors and GM’s first dual-injection system, boosting power to 755 hp and peak torque to 969 Nm.
To rein in the most extreme Corvette ever, only a Brembo braking system would suffice: at the front, it features 6-piston aluminum monobloc calipers with 394 mm diameter, 38 mm thick carbon-ceramic discs, while at the rear, 4-piston monobloc calipers work with 390 mm diameter, 32 mm thick discs.
The brake pads are made with new formulations to ensure greater stopping power and superior durability.
This is confirmed by a braking distance of just 88 feet, or 26.82 meters.
An evolution of the mid-engine, two-seater sports coupe concept, the Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano introduced a 6-cylinder engine with an innovative 120° V configuration paired with a plug-in electric motor, delivering a total of 830 hp.
This design reduces volumes and airflow paths, maximizing the efficiency of the intake and exhaust lines.
The Assetto Fiorano trim ensures a 12 kg weight reduction and features high-downforce carbon-fiber wings.
For pure driving enjoyment, a Brembo braking system is essential: at the front, carbon-ceramic discs measure 398 mm in diameter and 38 mm in thickness, while at the rear they measure 360 mm in diameter and 32 mm thick.
The 6-piston Dyadema calipers are available in glossy black, Modena yellow, aluminum, Rosso Corsa, Rosso Scuderia, dark gray, blue, and gold.
At the rear, 4-piston calipers feature integrated electric parking functionality. MotorTrend recorded a stopping distance of just 88 feet (26.82 meters).
The third-place spot for the Dodge Viper ACR (street setup) is one of the surprises in the ranking. Contrary to what might have been expected in MotorTrend’s tests, this model manages to brake in a slightly shorter distance—just 61 centimeters less—compared to the track-spec Dodge Viper ACR.
Thanks to a softer suspension setup, designed to provide a more comfortable driving experience, and some less aggressive aerodynamic components, the Brembo braking system remains the same as the Viper ACR (Track Setup): at the front, 6-piston calipers paired with 391 mm carbon-ceramic ventilated discs, and at the rear, 4-piston calipers with 360 mm carbon-ceramic discs.
The street setup allowed, at least according to MotorTrend, the Viper ACR to improve its stopping distance, coming to a halt in 87 feet, or 26.52 meters—earning it a spot on the podium.
Unlike the Turbo and Turbo S models, designed primarily to maximize acceleration, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS was engineered to deliver the best combination of power, grip, aerodynamics, and even braking. It is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder boxer engine, producing 690 hp and 750 Nm of torque.
Since this car is also intended for road use, it comes equipped with carbon-ceramic discs—410 mm in diameter at the front and 390 mm at the rear.
Brembo supplies the aluminum monobloc calipers: 6-piston at the front and 4-piston at the rear. This setup guarantees exceptional stopping power, bringing the car to a halt in just 87 feet (26.52 meters), while also ensuring consistent performance even under heavy stress.
Even with the same engine (the 5-liter V8), the automatic transmission version (10-speed Premium) of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse is less quick than the manual, taking over 1.5 seconds longer to reach 100 mph (160 km/h). On the other hand, compared to the manual, it weighs 47 kg more, bringing the total to 1,827 kg—a figure that would suggest longer stopping distances.
However, in MotorTrend’s braking tests, the automatic Mustang Dark Horse recorded the following stopping distances: 92 feet to start, then 91, 90, 88, 87, 90, 86 (26.21 meters), 89, 88, 90, 91, and 90.
Despite featuring the same Brembo braking system as the other Mustang Dark Horse in the ranking—with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers—the automatic version manages to stop 4 feet (1.22 meters) shorter than the manual, earning it first place in this special braking classification.
Final considerations:
It must also be remembered that braking performance is influenced—perhaps even more than by the braking system itself—by the tires. The size, wear, and compound of the tires fitted as standard on the tested supercars are crucial, as they are the medium through which braking force is transferred to the ground.
If MotorTrend’s ranking teaches us anything, it is that it is no coincidence that all ten cars in the top 10 are equipped with Brembo brakes. This is not merely a statistical detail, but concrete proof that Brembo is not just a supplier of braking solutions, but a key technological partner for the world’s highest-performing automakers.
Beyond engine power and aerodynamics, the common denominator of these supercars is the choice of a braking system capable of converting kinetic energy into record stopping distances, consistently and safely. Brembo’s presence in every position on this list highlights an excellence that transcends individual models and different engineering approaches.
In an industry where every detail is meticulously refined, the trust placed in Brembo for the most critical component results from continuous research, a passion for innovation, and ongoing collaboration—allowing these dream cars to push limits with the assurance that they can stop safely in any situation.
How the tests are conducted:
Before hitting the track for MotorTrend’s tests, all vehicles undergo the same inspection procedure to maximize safety and ensure that each test is conducted under identical conditions. The fuel tank is filled with the manufacturer-recommended amount, and the tires are inflated according to the specifications in the owner’s manual.
For the braking test, the driver accelerates to 101 km/h (63 mph) and then depresses the brake pedal. When the vehicle reaches 96 km/h (60 mph), the distance traveled until full stop is recorded. This method isolates the car’s braking capability, excluding human reaction time as a variable.
Several attempts are performed in quick succession, as some braking systems perform better when warm. The final value is recorded as the best result of five 60-mph stops. In case of a tie, the second-best result is considered, and so on for further ties.
Unlike MotorTrend, other methodologies use the average of multiple stops. Some perform a set number of successive stops—ranging from 5 to 10—and only the last stop is recorded to properly gauge performance. There is no inherently superior method, but it is clear that methodology significantly influences both measurements and results.
For example, considering only the last stop in a series implicitly accounts for the braking system’s ability to resist fade from previous stops.
It should be noted that, being a U.S.-based ranking, most of the tested vehicles are North American models, limiting the presence of European cars and excluding Asian vehicles from the Top 10 entirely.
Nonetheless, the common denominator across these vehicles is the presence of Brembo braking systems.
As evident, braking data is influenced not only by the braking system itself but also by tire size and characteristics, vehicle mass, weight distribution, and weather conditions during testing.