1990 BMW 850 vs. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1990 BMW 850. (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1990 BMW 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 850 | 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 850 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 61 L |
