2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 457 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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 565 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2430 mm |
