2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 95 more horse power than 2010 Lotus Elise. (405 HP @ 7100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2010 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 765 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2010 Lotus Elise 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 2010 Lotus Elise. 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 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Lotus Elise. (459 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Lotus Elise. 2010 Lotus Elise 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. 2010 Lotus Elise will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 405 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2941 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 86 L |
