'03 Cobra vs. C5 FRC.

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Josh

Josh

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Which one would you buy, and why?

I plan on buying a new car in late December/early January because I want something to drive to school, and to tool around in on the weekends, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two.

I never thought I'd even consider buying a Mustang, but it's just impossible to deny how badass of a car the '03 Cobra is. It's ridiculously fast with its 390hp, and very easy to get much more out of it. From what I've heard the motor is pretty much bulletproof up to around 700hp, and if that's true that is going to be a major plus. The whine of the s/c is almost orgasmic imo.:odd::lol:

I've wanted a Corvette ever since I drove my ex-girlfriend's mom's '01 Z06 two years ago. I don't know if I would be happy with a "regular" C5, though. I know LS1's are good motors, but they can't handle 700hp without some major work done afaik.

I think the Vette looks better, but if I got one it would be a '98-'00 with somewhere around 15-35k miles, and it wouldn't be very fast. The Mustang, however, would obviously be an '03 , and it would have under 5-10k miles. Both would be in the $25-30k price range. Bah. I guess I'm pretty much sold on the Cobra, but I'm not 100% sure yet. I just want to know what you guys think, and what most of you would do.


BTW- I apologize for not being around at all lately. I spend 5 hours at school, 3 hours driving, and 9 hours working, everyday Monday-Friday. I also work 4 hours on Saturdays so I'm very strapped for time. I would spend more time here if I had it, but I just don't.:(

Thanks everyone, and take care. -Joshua
 
no apologies needed man, you are doing your life. I envy you for that, you dont have an idea how much.
as for the car, I would definately buy the cobra, if you want to really get it up to 700, it will be easier, and there is already a HUGE aftermarket for your chassis, even bigger than there is for the vette, and less expensive. for your engine, well, the mod motor isnt really completely sorted out, but you can do very good with the parts available. 700 shouldnt be too difficult to achieve with what is already there for the modular. it will be new, it will be suppercharrrrrgeeddddd :drool: well, you do get it. Id say go for the mustang.

Cano
 
Actually Josh, if you can afford those two cars, I would look into getting an old '67 Stingray or a 68 Camaro SS that needs a little work. The fact being is that they are worth money completed and just as fun :D
 
If it was between those two...go with the stang unless you can get a newer vette. I like the vette more, and would pick a new LS1 vette (especially Z06) over an 03 cobra any day of the week. However, in the end, the stang will be able to hold more HP easier (until you start getting really high up there) and will be at least three years newer than the vette (since you are looking at 98-00s). Based on those 3 years alone...it would be worth it for me. Tons of tiny mechanical things start to break down over a period of time, and with a brand new car, you wont have to worry about it nearly as much compared to a 3-5 yearold car.
 
id go with the stang, cause you can get it brand new, lots of potential, mods/parts are cheaper, and more room. i bet the insurance on the mustang is cheaper too.
 
The Mustang Cobra starts at $33600 with a 390bhp V8; the convertible is $38000 with the same engine. The Cobra does 0-60 in about 5 seconds and weighs 3665lbs. It gets around 18mpg, which is a bit important considering how much you drive.

Corvette coupes also do 0-60 in 5 seconds. Coupes start at just $43700 with a 350bhp V8. The Z06, which I'd recommend over a normal coupe, has a 405bhp V8 capable of 0-60 in under 4 seconds, and it's priced at just $51600. It weighs just 3118lbs, also, giving it a major edge over the Cobra. Both engines get around 23mpg.

The Corvette is equipped much better than the Mustang (of course) also - standard in the Corvette are features such as traction control, anti-lock brakes, dual zone climate controls, power leather seats, heated power mirrors, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, a Bose CD player, a temperature gauge, and an alarm. The Cobra offers about half of those things. The Z06 offers little more except the much larger engine.

Overall I'd have to say the Cobra coupe is a better value, but the Z06 is better for all-out performance. Since you're not the one paying, I'd have to say go for the Z06 (if you can convince your dad to splurge - or if you can find a pretty high mileage used one) - modifications are practically unnecessary on a car that does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.
 
Originally posted by M5Power
The Mustang Cobra starts at $33600 with a 390bhp V8; the convertible is $38000 with the same engine. The Cobra does 0-60 in about 5 seconds and weighs 3665lbs. It gets around 18mpg, which is a bit important considering how much you drive.

Corvette coupes also do 0-60 in 5 seconds. Coupes start at just $43700 with a 350bhp V8. The Z06, which I'd recommend over a normal coupe, has a 405bhp V8 capable of 0-60 in under 4 seconds, and it's priced at just $51600. It weighs just 3118lbs, also, giving it a major edge over the Cobra. Both engines get around 23mpg.

The Corvette is equipped much better than the Mustang (of course) also - standard in the Corvette are features such as traction control, anti-lock brakes, dual zone climate controls, power leather seats, heated power mirrors, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, a Bose CD player, a temperature gauge, and an alarm. The Cobra offers about half of those things. The Z06 offers little more except the much larger engine.

Overall I'd have to say the Cobra coupe is a better value, but the Z06 is better for all-out performance. Since you're not the one paying, I'd have to say go for the Z06 (if you can convince your dad to splurge - or if you can find a pretty high mileage used one) - modifications are practically unnecessary on a car that does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.
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👍
 
Originally posted by M5Power
The Mustang Cobra starts at $33600 with a 390bhp V8; the convertible is $38000 with the same engine. The Cobra does 0-60 in about 5 seconds and weighs 3665lbs. It gets around 18mpg, which is a bit important considering how much you drive.

Corvette coupes also do 0-60 in 5 seconds. Coupes start at just $43700 with a 350bhp V8. The Z06, which I'd recommend over a normal coupe, has a 405bhp V8 capable of 0-60 in under 4 seconds, and it's priced at just $51600. It weighs just 3118lbs, also, giving it a major edge over the Cobra. Both engines get around 23mpg.

The Corvette is equipped much better than the Mustang (of course) also - standard in the Corvette are features such as traction control, anti-lock brakes, dual zone climate controls, power leather seats, heated power mirrors, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, a Bose CD player, a temperature gauge, and an alarm. The Cobra offers about half of those things. The Z06 offers little more except the much larger engine.

Overall I'd have to say the Cobra coupe is a better value, but the Z06 is better for all-out performance. Since you're not the one paying, I'd have to say go for the Z06 (if you can convince your dad to splurge - or if you can find a pretty high mileage used one) - modifications are practically unnecessary on a car that does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.
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Actually, I will be the one paying for the car. I might have to get a loan from the Bank of Dad, but I will have to pay this one off, or the car goes bye-bye. Me paying for it is one of the main reasons why I want a brand new extremely low mileage car as opposed to a 4-6 year old 30k+ mileage car for the same price. Me paying for it is also another reason why I'm not even considering a Supra - it would be 5-10 years old, and have a million miles on it.

I want a Z06 like nothing else, but as you said it would have to be a high mileage one. The cheapest Z06's I've seen are 2001's with 35-40k miles, and they're still $30-40k.:odd:

Yes, the Vette has a lot of cool features(HUD rocks), but that stuff really isn't a major deciding factor for me. I just want a cheap new fast car, and the Cobra fills all of those requirements.


Meh. I've got 2 months to think about it, read up on them, and test drive them.
 
well, if you're going to spend 38 on a new cobra, and the z06 is better in every performance category, and a used one is 30-40, then that's close right? Hmm, yeah, go ahead and test drive them and see which one you like better. That's the best way.
 
Originally posted by Josh
Actually, I will be the one paying for the car. I might have to get a loan from the Bank of Dad, but I will have to pay this one off, or the car goes bye-bye.
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Ouch! Go for a 91 NSX. Yes, it isn't new, and yes, it'll be high mileage, but it's a zillion times better than that Mustang crap you're considering. NSX! NSX!
 
Originally posted by M5Power
Ouch! Go for a 91 NSX. Yes, it isn't new, and yes, it'll be high mileage, but it's a zillion times better than that Mustang crap you're considering. NSX! NSX!
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You're clearly drunk.

A '91 Acura NSX is probably the most impractical car you've ever suggested someone buy.
 
Originally posted by Josh
You're clearly drunk.

A '91 Acura NSX is probably the most impractical car you've ever suggested someone buy.
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Probably, but you said you wanted performance, and frankly, this thing is unbeaten on money for performance. It's a supercar, and an icon, and you could probably have it for $20-$30k. I'd have it in a second over a Corvette or a Cobra.
 
Originally posted by Josh
You're clearly drunk.

A '91 Acura NSX is probably the most impractical car you've ever suggested someone buy.
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You can find older NSX's in the low 20k range. For 10k in mod's, it will STOMP the Cobra, and the Z06 in almost every performance aspect, and you still have money to boot. Also, it's entirely practical compared to the other two car's. Drive one.

Lastly, where, and who, have you seen that is making 700hp with an internally stock Cobra?
 
Because your clueless as to the NSX's potential.

The car probably won't be used as a track car, but anyone who watched the old SpeedVision GT Series, can attest to what an NSX with a supercharger, and a few other minor mod's can do; and that is, murder C5's and Cobra's/Saleen's all day long.

This isn't a thread about NSX's, so I won't take it any further.

Z06
 
Originally posted by Monster7
You can find older NSX's in the low 20k range. For 10k in mod's, it will STOMP the Cobra, and the Z06 in almost every performance aspect, and you still have money to boot. Also, it's entirely practical compared to the other two car's. Drive one.

Lastly, where, and who, have you seen that is making 700hp with an internally stock Cobra?
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And for $1,500 the Cobra would smoke an NSX with $15,000 into it. And, no, I'm not talking about around a racetrack. I couldn't care less about how well a car handles - if I did I'd buy another S2000.

The NSX is nice, yes, but I don't like it enough to want to spend my money on one - especially one that is 12 years old.


Doug- Yes, I do want performance, but not the kind of performance that the NSX delivers. I don't want a weekend road racing autocrosser, I want another straight line performer, and the NSX isn't one.
 
Originally posted by Josh

Doug- Yes, I do want performance, but not the kind of performance that the NSX delivers. I don't want a weekend road racing autocrosser, I want another straight line performer, and the NSX isn't one.
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Ah, well - I tried. Frankly, I'd go for it, even if it's just for the cache. I'd suggest a 300ZX or a Supra, but you've already made your feelings on those models known - you seem fairly set on the Cobra and, actually, it's a kickass value. Corvette's a great car, too - either way, you can't go wrong here. 👍

I do have two more suggestions though - first, depending, probably, on how you like its styling, the Chrysler Crossfire - $33600 only buys 215bhp, but it does 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, and its spec list rivals the Corvette's. Second is the new Monte Carlo Supercharged SS - $27100 for the same 240bhp 3.8L in the new Impala SS; 0-60 in about 6.5 (the main attraction here is price, though, and styling - it's pretty good, at worst it's 'plain').

PS - next year the Mustang's getting a major redesign, so your resale will be kicked south faster than normal should you choose to go for the Cobra.
 
neither,save up the money and buy a bimmer, M3:D
m.gif


j/k
 
M5, I dont think the Crossfire, Carlo, or SS are in anywhere near the same league as the vette and snake. The styling of the crossfire is awkward to say the least, and I dont think he wants a FWD car (carle/impala).
 
Originally posted by ShobThaBob
M5, I dont think the Crossfire, Carlo, or SS are in anywhere near the same league as the vette and snake. The styling of the crossfire is awkward to say the least, and I dont think he wants a FWD car (carle/impala).
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I agree, but the new supercharged Monte Carlo is an absolute deal - $12k less than the Cobra. And since he's going to be paying for this, he should very much be taking money into account. The supercharged Monte Carlo isn't too bad on performance, either - 240bhp propels it from zero to sixty in about 6.4 seconds.
 
Hey, how much would a, lets say new 00-02 Cobra cost? What if I were looking for a used 03 Cobra for around 30k? How many miles would I be looking at and what kind of condition would it be in? Thanks.

If I had to pay for my entire mustang, I would just go with a GT and save 10k... but that's just me.
 
Originally posted by quicksilver1122
Hey, how much would a, lets say new 00-02 Cobra cost?
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I'm not entirely sure, but I think there was no 02 Cobra, and there might not have been an 00 Cobra either.
 
2001 or 2002 m coupe. 3.2 inline 6. 315hp 250ftlbs tq. oh yea, it runs low 13s and does 4.5 0-60.

you could probably find a 2002 with 20k miles for 33k. this cars a ****ing rocket, and it can handle. it doesnt have the massive torque of a cobra or vette, but its a rocket. itll be nicer than the cobra or z06.

i drove ina caravan with an '03 cobra convertible. you have to realize 380hp is A LOT. the guy had just bought it, we were all driving up to a track for the weekend. after we got up there, the guy was happy and surprised he was hanging with 911 turbos up to 150mph. i was totally left behind.

torque is fun, if you want something like the cobra, then get it.
 
Yes, I would reccomend the Cobra for straight line performance. However, if you want more comfort on the street, get the Z06. It handles good in all categories.

You should also know, you can get a used Dodge Viper R/T 10 (early ones) for around $30,000. Fast, powerful (with the massive V-10), and reliable (the only complaints being tire wear fuel milage)...
 
Also, you can get a Ford SVT Lightning (new one) for around $33,000. Even though Ford lists it as running mid 14's, in reality, they get 13.7-14.1 in the 1/4 mile. And a few ran 13.2 -- in stock trim. You can invest about $1000 and boom, running 12's. There is nothing more enjoyable than outrunning a Vette in a truck :lol:...

[EDIT] You should also hear the Supercharger when its uncorked. I heard it upclose. :drool: It will make your heart go nuts, you literally fall in love with the truck jsut by the sound. Its just....VROOOOOAAAAAAMMMM!!!!! and it blasts away with the supercharger whining along with it. Wow, its to fuggin amazing. I reccomend hearing one 👍...
 
Originally posted by Monster7
Because your clueless as to the NSX's potential.

The car probably won't be used as a track car, but anyone who watched the old SpeedVision GT Series, can attest to what an NSX with a supercharger, and a few other minor mod's can do; and that is, murder C5's and Cobra's/Saleen's all day long.

This isn't a thread about NSX's, so I won't take it any further.

Z06
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yea but thats the gt series where they get to modify their cars and stuff, and diff drivers, so certain drivers are gonna be better. stock for stock i think the z06 would edge out the nsx in most performance categories.
 

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