2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina 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 414 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Cortina weights approximately 138 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 510 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
