2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Opel Astra 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 56 more horse power than 2001 Opel Astra. (437 HP @ 7350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2001 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Astra weights approximately 34 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, 2001 Opel Astra (531 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500. (480 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2001 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 437 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7350 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
