2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Golf 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 420 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 44 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (480 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
