1981 BMW 518 vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 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 403 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 24 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 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 518 | Shelby GT 500 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 5408 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 493 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 480 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 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 | 1140 kg | 1116 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |