2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Thunderbird 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 251 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 773 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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. 2003 Ford Thunderbird 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. 2003 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 59 L |
