2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada 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 388 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 368 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 475 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 1981 Ford Granada has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Granada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Granada |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2780 mm |
