2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre would be higher. At 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 350 more horse power than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre weights approximately 519 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre 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 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | 3.5 Litre |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
