2002 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Mustang 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 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2002 Ford Mustang. (390 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mustang weights approximately 516 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 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Mustang. (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Mustang | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |
