Why is it that I get much more drunk from drinking a couple ciders (4.5%), compared to taking a couple shots (40%), aren’t they supposed to have about the same effect?

I feel like I need 3-5 shots for every one 0.5L 4.5% beer or cider, I simply don’t get it, the alcohol levels should be almost 4 times higher from the shots comparatively? eating prior, timespan of drinking, and other factors being the same in both scenarios. I almost exclusively do shots, and very rarely lighter drinks. Is it possible to build tolerance towards the heavier drinks? doesn’t really make sense to me, but thats the only thing I can think of being the case.