1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Dodge Spirit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Dodge Spirit would be higher. At 5,409 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 350 more horse power than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1988 Dodge Spirit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 344 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (244 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Dodge Spirit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Spirit | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1316 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
