2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1984 Pontiac Firebird
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 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Firebird 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 367 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Firebird.
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 428 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1984 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
