2003 Ford F-250 vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford F-250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford F-250 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 204 more horse power than 2003 Ford F-250. (296 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford F-250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford F-250 weights approximately 1294 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2003 Ford F-250 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 2003 Ford F-250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500, 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 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford F-250. (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford F-250.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford F-250 | 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | F-250 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2410 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5760 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 144 L | 61 L |
