2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 525 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 285 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 594 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2008 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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 401 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525. 2008 BMW 525 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. 2008 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1566 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
