2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1959 Ford Prefect
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 462 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 172 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 579 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1959 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 54 L |
