2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1990 Ford Escort
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Escort would be higher. At 5,408 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 411 more horse power than 1990 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Escort weights approximately 59 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, 1990 Ford Escort, 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 507 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1990 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2400 mm |
