2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C 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 380 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 438 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
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 481 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | C |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
