1998 BMW Z3 vs. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW Z3 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 350 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 361 kg more than 1998 BMW Z3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 411 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z3 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 541 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| 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 | 1460 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
