2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1984 Maserati 420
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Maserati 420 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 303 more horse power than 1984 Maserati 420. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1984 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Maserati 420 weights approximately 64 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 1984 Maserati 420 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 1984 Maserati 420. 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 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Maserati 420. (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Maserati 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1984 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | Ford | Maserati |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 308 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
