1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang 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 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 362 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 324 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 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2730 mm |
