2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1984 Lancia Thema
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 Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lancia Thema 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 352 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Thema. (148 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lancia Thema weights approximately 188 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 Thema, 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 411 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Thema. (240 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1984 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Thema |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
