2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
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 New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 400 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 233 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 New Beetle, 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 499 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (152 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle 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. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
