1948 Bristol 400 vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (493 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 414 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 400 weights approximately 54 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (480 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 400 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 400 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
