2005 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500
To start off, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. (309 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 weights approximately 401 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Ford Shelby GT500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Shelby GT500. (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Shelby GT500. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Phaeton | Shelby GT500 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4921 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 309 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 750 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1733 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 61 L |
