1996 BMW 523 vs. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500
To start off, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 380 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1996 BMW 523. 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, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 446 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Shelby GT500 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1800 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
