1971 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 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 293 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 264 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 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 61 L |
