2004 Audi A3 vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Audi A3 would be higher. At 5,409 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 399 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A3 weights approximately 323 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2009 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 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3, 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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 503 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A3. 2004 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.9 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
