2004 Ford Five Hundred 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 Ford Five Hundred. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Five Hundred 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 350 more horse power than 2004 Ford Five Hundred. (200 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Five Hundred. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 220 kg more than 2004 Ford Five Hundred. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Five Hundred. (266 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Five Hundred. 2004 Ford Five Hundred has automatic transmission and 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Five Hundred | 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Five Hundred | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 61 L |
