2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Polo 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 456 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo, 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 575 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (76 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 42 L |
