1979 Buick Regal vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Regal 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 374 more horse power than 1979 Buick Regal. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Regal weights approximately 379 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 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Regal. (285 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Regal. 1979 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Regal | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Regal | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4348 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2730 mm |
