2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1998 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang 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 (493 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 350 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Mustang weights approximately 274 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 (480 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Mustang. 1998 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1998 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
