1956 Buick 40 vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 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 241 more horse power than 1956 Buick 40. (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1956 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Buick 40 weights approximately 474 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Buick 40. (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Buick 40 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | 40 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 462 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2730 mm |
