2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2002 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Taurus 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 347 more horse power than 2002 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Taurus weights approximately 505 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, 2002 Ford Taurus, 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 407 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Taurus. 2002 Ford Taurus 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. 2002 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2002 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 2933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 68 L |
