1998 BMW M 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 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M 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 165 more horse power than 1998 BMW M. (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW M weights approximately 334 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW M. (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 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 | 1450 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 61 L |
