2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2012 Audi R8
To start off, 2012 Audi R8 is newer by 4 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) has 80 more horse power than 2012 Audi R8. (420 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi R8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi R8 weights approximately 519 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2012 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 will offer significantly more control. 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 221 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi R8. (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi R8. 2012 Audi R8 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. 2012 Audi R8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2012 Audi R8 | |
| Make | Ford | Audi |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | R8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 420 HP |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1252 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 90 L |
