1997 Dodge Viper vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (493 HP) has 78 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Viper. (415 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Viper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Viper weights approximately 390 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, 1997 Dodge Viper (664 Nm) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500. (480 Nm). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Viper | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Viper | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 415 HP | 493 HP |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |
