2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 361 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 168 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 483 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
