1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500
To start off, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 172 kg more than 2012 Ford Shelby GT500.
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, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | S | Shelby GT500 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 356 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1733 kg |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.5 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 61 L |
