1953 Ford Popular vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Ford Popular would be higher. At 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 474 more horse power than 1953 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1953 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 381 kg more than 1953 Ford Popular. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Ford Popular is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1953 Ford Popular. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 588 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Ford Popular | 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Popular | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2730 mm |
