2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercedes-Benz S 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 310 more horse power than 1995 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1995 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 774 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 1995 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1995 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 381 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1995 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
