2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2004 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 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 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 2004 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Astra weights approximately 384 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, 2004 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 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 481 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Astra. 2004 Opel Astra 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. 2004 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 52 L |
