Compare the2022 Ford Shelby GT500VS 2022 Audi R8

The Shelby GT500’s optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The R8 doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Shelby GT500’s optional rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The R8 doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Shelby GT500 and the R8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

Ford’s powertrain warranty covers the Shelby GT500 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the R8. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the R8 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 10 times as many Ford dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Shelby GT500’s warranty.

The R8’s redline is at 8700 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The Shelby GT500 has a 7500 RPM redline.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford 14th in initial quality. With 78 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

The Shelby GT500’s 5.2 supercharged V8 produces 198 more horsepower (760 vs. 562) and 219 lbs.-ft. more torque (625 vs. 406) than the R8 RWD Performance’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10. The Shelby GT500’s 5.2 supercharged V8 produces 158 more horsepower (760 vs. 602) and 212 lbs.-ft. more torque (625 vs. 413) than the R8 Quattro Performance’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Ford Shelby GT500 higher (3 out of 10) than the Audi R8 (1). This means the Shelby GT500 produces up to 22.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the R8 every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the Shelby GT500’s brake rotors are larger than those on the R8:

For better traction, the Shelby GT500 has larger tires than the R8 (F:305/30R20 & R:315/30R20 vs. F:245/30R20 & R:305/30R20).

The Shelby GT500 has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The R8’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Shelby GT500’s wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer than on the R8 (107.1 inches vs. 104.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Shelby GT500 is 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the R8.

The Shelby GT500 has standard seating for 4 passengers; the R8 can only carry 2.

The Shelby GT500 has 32.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the R8 (82.8 vs. 50).

The Shelby GT500 has 4.2 inches more front legroom and 1.2 inches more front shoulder room than the R8.

The Shelby GT500 has a much larger trunk than the R8 Coupe (13.5 vs. 4 cubic feet).

The Shelby GT500 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The R8 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Shelby GT500’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The R8 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Shelby GT500 has standard extendable sun visors. The R8 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Shelby GT500’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The R8’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Shelby GT500 keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The R8 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Shelby GT500’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The R8 doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The Shelby GT500 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Shelby GT500 will retain 63.08% of its original price after five years, while the R8 only retains 48.76% to 49.44%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Ford Shelby GT500 will be $58374 to $108341 less than for the Audi R8.