2008 Chevrolet Malibu 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 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 5,408 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 330 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. (170 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2009 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 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2401 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
