1979 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice 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 379 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 528 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 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Caprice | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4392 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1644 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
