1997 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 (541 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 351 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 69 kg more than 2010 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, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | S | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 541 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
