1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 477 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 504 kg more than 1957 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 618 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 61 L |
