2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1979 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Stratos 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 313 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Stratos. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Stratos. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Stratos weights approximately 12 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 426 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Stratos. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Stratos.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1979 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Stratos |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 2419 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 984 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
