2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 185 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 797 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 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Shelby GT 500 | SL |
Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5409 cc | 4971 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 500 HP | 315 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 651 Nm | 468 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1769 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |