1972 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500
To start off, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. (255 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 weights approximately 301 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. (380 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Corvette | Shelby GT500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1800 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |
