2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1984 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lancia Beta 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 418 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lancia Beta weights approximately 28 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 540 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (111 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1984 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1366 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
