1998 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 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 (493 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 353 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 159 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 (480 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
