2008 Fiat 500 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 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Fiat 500 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 (493 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 420 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 186 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Fiat 500, 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 (480 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (131 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 61 L |
