2008 Audi A8 vs. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Audi A8 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 279 more horse power than 2008 Audi A8. (271 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A8 weights approximately 144 kg more than 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2008 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A8 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, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A8. (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A8. 2008 Audi A8 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. 2008 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A8 | 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A8 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3936 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1944 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 61 L |
