2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2008 Opel Astra
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 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Opel Astra would be higher. At 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (493 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 394 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Astra weights approximately 249 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, 2008 Opel Astra, 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 (480 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 1684 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 52 L |
