2012 Ford Shelby GT500 vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, both 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 and 2012 Volkswagen GTI were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 350 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 weights approximately 407 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 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 2012 Ford Shelby GT500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 411 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Shelby GT500 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 550 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 691 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1393 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
