2004 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW M3 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 222 more horse power than 2004 BMW M3. (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 251 kg more than 2004 BMW M3. 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) has 341 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW M3. (350 Nm). This means 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
