The Vantage has a standard Birds-eye Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Shelby GT500 only offers a rear monitor.
Both the Vantage 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 and daytime running lights.
The Vantage comes with a full 3-year/unlimited-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 sooner.
The Vantage’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the Shelby GT500’s (10 vs. 5 years).
As tested in Car and Driver the Aston Martin Vantage 4.0 is faster than the Ford Shelby GT500:
|
|
Vantage |
Shelby GT500 |
| Zero to 60 MPH |
3.4 sec |
3.6 sec |
| 5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start |
4 sec |
4.1 sec |
| Top Speed |
195 MPH |
180 MPH |
On the EPA test cycle the Vantage V8 gets better fuel mileage than the Shelby GT500 (18 city/24 hwy vs. 12 city/18 hwy).
In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Vantage’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.
The Vantage has 3.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Shelby GT500 (19.3 vs. 16 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.
An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Aston Martin Vantage, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Shelby GT500.
The Vantage 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 ride, handling and brake cooling the Vantage offers optional 21-inch wheels. The Shelby GT500’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.
The Vantage has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Shelby GT500; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.
The Vantage has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.
For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Vantage is 1.8 inches wider in the front and .5 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Shelby GT500.
The Vantage’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the Shelby GT500’s (56.6% to 43.4%). This gives the Vantage more stable handling and braking.
For better maneuverability, the Vantage’s turning circle is 5.1 feet tighter than the Shelby GT500’s (38.7 feet vs. 43.8 feet). The Vantage’s turning circle is 5.4 feet tighter than the Shelby GT500 Track Package’s (38.7 feet vs. 44.1 feet).
The Aston Martin Vantage may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 pounds less than the Ford Shelby GT500.
The Vantage is 1 foot, 1.7 inches shorter than the Shelby GT500, making the Vantage easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.
As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Vantage Coupe is quieter than the Shelby GT500:
|
|
Vantage |
Shelby GT500 |
| At idle |
57 dB |
61 dB |
| Full-Throttle |
87 dB |
94 dB |
Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors optional at extra cost in the Shelby GT500, the Vantage has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.
The Vantage’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and 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 Vantage 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 Vantage 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 Vantage’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.
Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Vantage to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.
In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Vantage has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer headlight washers.
The Vantage’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 Vantage is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Shelby GT500’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.
On extremely cold winter days, the Vantage’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.
The Vantage’s Auto Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.
The Aston Martin Vantage comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Ford Shelby GT500 isn’t available as a convertible.