Compare the2023 Maserati MC20VS 2022 Ford Shelby GT500

The MC20 offers optional Automated Emergency Braking, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Shelby GT500 doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The MC20 Cielo has a standard Surround View System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Shelby GT500 only offers a rear monitor.

Both the MC20 and the Shelby GT500 have standard driver and passenger frontal 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 MC20 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The Shelby GT500’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

As tested in Car and Driver the Maserati MC20 is faster than the Ford Shelby GT500:

On the EPA test cycle the MC20 gets better fuel mileage than the Shelby GT500 (15 city/25 hwy vs. 12 city/18 hwy).

The MC20 has 2.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Shelby GT500 (18.5 vs. 16 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Maserati MC20 higher (5 out of 10) than the Ford Shelby GT500 (3). This means the MC20 produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Shelby GT500 every 15,000 miles.

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Maserati MC20, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Shelby GT500.

The MC20 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the MC20 is 2.5 inches wider in the front and .6 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Shelby GT500.

For better maneuverability, the MC20’s turning circle is 5.1 feet tighter than the Shelby GT500’s (38.7 feet vs. 43.8 feet). The MC20’s turning circle is 5.4 feet tighter than the Shelby GT500 Track Package’s (38.7 feet vs. 44.1 feet).

The Maserati MC20 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 to 800 pounds less than the Ford Shelby GT500.

The MC20 is 5.7 inches shorter than the Shelby GT500, making the MC20 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MC20’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 MC20’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

If the windows are left open on the MC20 the driver can close them all from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Shelby GT500 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The MC20 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 MC20’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Shelby GT500’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the MC20 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The MC20’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.

The MC20’s standard rear view mirror and optional 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.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Maserati MC20 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Maserati MC20 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Ford Shelby GT500 isn’t available as a convertible.