2008 BMW 323 vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 323 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 324 more horse power than 2008 BMW 323. (176 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 323 weights approximately 518 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 323. (230 Nm). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 323 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 323 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5409 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
