2003 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 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 402 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2003 BMW 320. 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, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 481 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
