2000 Ford Taurus vs. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 396 more horse power than 2000 Ford Taurus. (154 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 323 kg more than 2000 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 447 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Taurus. 2000 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Taurus | 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |
