Compare the2022 Chevrolet CorvetteVS 2021 Ford Shelby GT500

Both the Corvette and the Shelby GT500 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The Corvette’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Shelby GT500’s (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Corvette first among compact premium sporty cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The Shelby GT500 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 10th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 11 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 14th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 12th in reliability, above the industry average. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 22nd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet 5 places higher in reliability than Ford.

As tested in Motor Trend the Corvette Z51 is faster than the Ford Shelby GT500:

On the EPA test cycle the Corvette gets better mileage than the Shelby GT500:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Corvette’s fuel efficiency. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Corvette has 2.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Shelby GT500 (18.5 vs. 16 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Chevrolet Corvette, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Shelby GT500.

The Corvette stops shorter than the Shelby GT500:

The Corvette has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the Corvette can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Corvette is 1.2 inches wider in the front than the average track on the Shelby GT500.

The Corvette Coupe handles at 1.04 G’s, while the Shelby GT500 pulls only 1.01 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Corvette Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Shelby GT500 (23.3 seconds @ .9 average G’s vs. 24.1 seconds @ .85 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Corvette with Magnetic Ride Control’s turning circle is 7.4 feet tighter than the Shelby GT500’s (36.4 feet vs. 43.8 feet). The Corvette’s turning circle is 6 feet tighter than the Shelby GT500 Track Package’s (38.1 feet vs. 44.1 feet).

The Chevrolet Corvette may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 pounds less than the Ford Shelby GT500.

The Corvette is 7.2 inches shorter than the Shelby GT500, making the Corvette easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Corvette’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The Corvette uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Corvette Coupe is quieter than the Shelby GT500:

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors optional in the Shelby GT500, the Corvette offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, suspension setting and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Corvette’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Corvette offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, turn signal and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Corvette has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Corvette’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford charges extra for heated mirrors on the Shelby GT500.

When the Corvette with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Shelby GT500’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Corvette’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Shelby GT500 has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

On extremely cold winter days, the Corvette’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Chevrolet Corvette offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Chevrolet Corvette comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Ford Shelby GT500 isn’t available as a convertible.

Insurance will cost less for the Corvette owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Corvette will cost $11355 to $11895 less than the Shelby GT500 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Chevrolet Corvette will be $870 to $15495 less than for the Ford Shelby GT500.

The Corvette was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 17 of the last 24 years. The Shelby GT500 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Corvette as the 2020 North American Car of the Year. The Shelby GT500 has never been chosen.