2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1974 MG MGB
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 MG MGB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 MG MGB 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 403 more horse power than 1974 MG MGB. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1974 MG MGB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 MG MGB weights approximately 28 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
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 502 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 MG MGB. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 MG MGB.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1974 MG MGB | |
| Make | Ford | MG |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | MGB |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2320 mm |
