2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
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 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 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 324 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (176 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 434 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 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 373 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 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 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 54 L |
