1997 Ferrari F355 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 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ferrari F355 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 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1997 Ferrari F355. (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ferrari F355. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 384 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 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ferrari F355. (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ferrari F355.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ferrari F355 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ford |
| Model | F355 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 61 L |
