2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
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 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (493 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 422 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 536 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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 (480 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Shelby GT 500 | Elite |
Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5408 cc | 1216 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 493 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 480 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 580 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1510 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1190 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2240 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 29 L |