2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1971 Renault 12
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Renault 12 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 440 more horse power than 1971 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 216 kg more than 1971 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Renault 12, 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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (480 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1971 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | 12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 56 L |
