2001 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Focus would be higher. At 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 427 more horse power than 2001 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Focus weights approximately 113 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2008 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 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Focus, 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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (652 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 527 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Focus | 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 652 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
