I'd go with the Vette.

New Cobra will makes some power but will be heavy and it's still going to look like a Mustang.

 

Well if you want unbiased opinions, you definitely came to the wrong place. Do you really think an LS1 board will tell you to get a Ford? Having stated that, I'm going against the grain and saying, get the Cobra. But that's only my opinion based on a few criteria. Here are some things to ponder:

-Like someone else already stated, the Cobra is setup much like the Lightning regarding easy bolt on power. For less than $400 I gained 65 rwhp and 81 rwtq on my 00' L. (Chip/ 3lb pulley/K&N). I haven't even messed w/ the Exhaust or internal engine yet. Yes, you can bolt a blower to the Vette also...but are you gonna install Forged pistons and crank as well (like the Cobra has stock)? Not to mentioned a Chip/filter and pulley can be removed in no time, leaving you with a Warranty. Are you gonna remove the Blower from the Vette to take it in for service?

-All sports cars have horrendous Resales...but the Vette suffers more between these two. Go to CorvetteForum and see how many 1-2 year old, low mileage, Vettes you find for around $32,000. That's $10-12K less than they cost new, or approx. 25% depreciaton in 24 months or less. Cobra's tend to suffer 15-18% depreciation over the same time period. That's not great...but better nonetheless.

-Vettes are a dime a dozen. I remember when owning Vette was a status symbol...now it means that you have a steady job.

-If you get into Drag racing it seriously, a solid axle 8.8 is just a swap away....you're SOL with the Vette.

-You're buying from a company that listens to the consumer. Mustang/Cobra buyers wanted more power and a better Tranny (T-45 SUCKED!), Ford is responding. GM buyers wanted the F-body to continue, GM said "F**K YOU!". Hmmm...who has customer loyalty?

Negatives:
Unfortunately the new Snakes are pigs. 3600 lbs is alot of weight to carry around and is certainly a big negative in my book. The Cobra also tends to have a little less "sporty feel" than a Vette. (Can't judge the new ones...I'm speaking based on past Cobra's I've owned).

Once again, these are just my opinions. I'm only throwing them out to give you something to ponder. Ultimately I don't think you can make a bad choice between the 2. I think both are outstanding displays of American Muscle.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Ebbsnflows:
<strong>-You're buying from a company that listens to the consumer. Mustang/Cobra buyers wanted more power and a better Tranny (T-45 SUCKED!), Ford is responding. GM buyers wanted the F-body to continue, GM said "F**K YOU!". Hmmm...who has customer loyalty? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I totally disagree with this line of thinking. How soon you have forgotten the past <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> When F-bod owners cried for more power because the 5.0s were smacking us around in the 88 to 92 years (I remember, I had an '89 Formula 350), GM gave us the LT1 to even things up. We wanted more, so they then gave us the LS1 which took the lead by far over Mustang. What did Ford give their loyalists? The POS 4.6 mod motor. Ford stayed slow, and GM got faster.

Believe me, the tables will turn again just as they did before.

You would be a fool to think that Ford will always carry the lead from now on. It will ALWAYS swing back and fourth.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by DG Gordon:
<strong>I have a 2000 SS and am really wanting to up date I am having a delma between a new Vette or the Cobra. I talked to a SVT dealer yesterday and he just got back from a week at SVT where he told me the new $3470 Cobra will outrun a new Vette. He said they had a few of each at the track and on the road course the Cobra was doing way better than expected and had no failures where the Vettes had 2 overheat.
I have always wnted a new Vette andwas waitig for the right time and it is now but now I am considering the Cobra. The guy told me SVT has them underated just a tad. Thy wont release the numbers but the Cobra trapped over 112 mph and they use a very conservative launch.
How do the new 02 vettes run as compared the 2000 model. I drove a 2000 and a 1999 and neither was as fast as my 2000 SS.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well I am reading this and I don't see anything remotely concerning the price of a vette or ZO6 here. So the posts are still not warranted. I do not think the Cobra is any better than the vette (ZO6 or not), and actually I will pick the vette over the Cobra anyday. But, I do do a lot of twisty racing and yes that makes the vette more appealing than the Cobra. If I was just looking for a car that I can carry a family of 4 in and a lot of groceries, tap on a few occasional drag strip and freeway encounters (and yes the majority of us are like that) then the Cobra is is a better choice. It will outhandle the F-bods and the GTs (the most direct competition) and for a few thousand bucks more, beat the vette in a straight line. Call it a hybrid, something in between the F-bods and the vette. Oh don't forget it is about the same price as some of the fully loaded Trans-Am special editions.

Now don't think I am saying the stang is better, it can be depending on what U need it for. The vette, what can I say?? Its the BOMB!!!. I love it and its a REAL sports car, it the best for NA performance and will take on most imports in the twisties as well.

U know about the vette as much as anyone here with an LS1. Just make your choice based on what u want. The stang has more power and more potencial (with just bolt ons) in the supercharged world. The Vette has the LS1 and U know the potensial, make your choice.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by DG Gordon:
<strong>I have driven an 02 ZO6 and no doubt it is a nice car but for 34750 vrs. 50000 = 15250. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">He made the comparison here.

A 2000 SS needs updating? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> Gordo, you came to the wrong place to ask for this opinion. I doubt you'll get an unbiased opinion anywhere, least of all here.

I can tell you this - I have a friend selling his '99 Cobra because it is heavily prone to failures, and you can forget asking it to perform. His best 1320' with an exhaust and DR's was 13.30. He is getting a Cadillac Seville for a couple of years, and waiting for the new Cobras to be out for at least a couple of years before buying one again - if ever. Ford may have fixed the horsepower fiasco of '99, but only time will tell if the reliability is there. It wasn't in '99. And from what I hear, it wasn't much, if any better with the '01 cars when they finally hit showrooms.

I am getting a '93 LX 5.0 with the automatic for a daily driver. [ <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> ] I could care less about brand loyalty, I can build a quick, reliable, cheap daily driver out of this car.

From a simple quality standpoint, I'd have to vote for the Corvette. Best 'o luck...

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by DG Gordon:
<strong>I have driven an 02 ZO6 and no doubt it is a nice car but for 34750 vrs. 50000 = 15250. I will agree that a Vette is way bad and I would still want one someday but for the price. They said the Cobra handles about as well as a regular Vette.
Keep the coments comming I need persuading.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Correct me if I am wrong but that sounded like he was discarding the ZO6 as an option at all. Not to mention that was a few posts down. Lets not drag thisw anymore.

U are right, the vette quality is quite better than the Cobra and that is the reason I will choose the vette. But like I was saying, depends on what U want out of the car. The F-bods have just as bad problems of their own and experience has thought me that they are worse than their stang counterparts, but that's only my opinion.

 

I just traded in my 1999 A4 C5 for a 3000 mile 2001 Z06..

Trust me..get the z06..its a blast..

The 2003 new Mustang with supercharger is nice but they are replacing the body signifigantly in 2004 model year..probably summer of 2003..

The present mustang will look real old at that point and you'll be sorry..Mechanically the car is just old at this point..its time for it to be massively updated..

The new 2004 mustang should be awesome..nice package from what the sources are telling us.

If you really want a mustang wait the year.

More hp..better more ridid and lighter chassis..sequential shifters shared with Aston Martin..and a look much more in common with Steve Mcqueens Bullit Mustang..

That car just might get me to trade in the Z..(probably not but you never know)Its supposed to be that good..

This years upcoming 2003 supercharged Mustang at the NY Auto show really came across as old..

Not a flame..

JMO...

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Jon C:
<strong>You should be able to get into a 2000 6 speed coupe for around $32-33k and then get yourself a LPE Magna-charger for $5700 more and you'll have fun stompin those new Cobras. I don't care who says it, BUT, a iron block 4.6 with a 30+ lb. supercharger isn't going to outhandle a stock ZO6 on a road course! It's not even going to be close! Those ZO6s' are @.99-1g stock and Motor Trend went over 70mph in their slalom test. You know whats even funnier, the Cobra is putting out 8psi and making around 420hp and the LPE kit with 5.5psi puts out 500hp. It kinda makes that choice easier. Later</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is the best performance deal and I believe the supercharger if installed by an ASE certified mechanic..also offers a 3 year drivetrain warranty option for 200 dollars..

You can get 1999 C5 sticks all day long for under 30 g's..and less for an a4..

No body cares for their cars more than Corvette owners..

Go to various internet corvette forums and find one.

 

One more thing for you Ford lovers to ponder. Those Cobras are electronically limited to 155mph because the aerodynamics are so bad with these cars.

 

You beleive waht a BIASED SVT dealer told you, I wouldn't, see for yourself first. But trust me, in the end, get a Vette, they are something special, a CRUSTang is as common as a honda civic. Infact, they are the civic of Muscle cars, EVERYONE and there Uncle has had one or has one. Get the Vette!!!!!!

 

Just becareful Ford has been known to enhance the # that they are putting out to boost sales.

When the cars hit the floor the dont put out what they promised. I went for a ride with a salesman that told me the 2001 cobra we were in would pull 12's and spank a SS. Once I told him I have a SS and started to ask what Spec's he was Quoting he got quiet. Durring the same conversation he said the SC a mustang was a terrable idea and doing so would cause it to only have a 35K life. I then Asked him about their stage 3 ROUSH again he changed the subject.

The point is never trust what a salesman tells you. waight and see the ## for your self!

Good luck!

 

I can't believe all of the bashing of Ford on a vehicle that hasn't hit the streets yet. I for one can't wait to see what it can really do!! I went from a 98 cobra to a 2001 SS .. The cobra was a great car and the desicion was based on aftermarket thoughts alone.

I belonged to a Cobra club and back then , we were told that the Cobra was going to try to compete with the Vette ..

I think ford is going in the right direction at least! .. They are giving great HP and TQ right from the factory with Forged internals, new tranny, new suspension .. etc ..

I don't think FORD is going for the z06 with this car, just the base vette model. As far as which to get, I would let a few hit the streets first and see what happens ...

Either way, Ford is going in the right direction with the Mustang!!!

just my 2 cents.
Crowley

 

i can say (coming form a previous new car salesman) that i would tell you a honda civic will run 10's if it would make you buys it. be smart about it. look a a roush stage3 cobra. that is what you are getting. there is a guys here in town that special ordered one. to say the least it is impressive. i would not have it though. ford had to go to a heavy iron block for 8psi. i know guys who are running 15-18psi on 98 model aluminum cobra blocks. what gives. ford must have thought thier blocks could not hold it. you ca take a stone stock 99 or 2000 vette and add the LPE charger and get 500hp and a warrant to boot, all wrapped up in a lighter car that will run rings around any thing ford will offer you. do your self a favor. buys what you want to, based on your own decision after you drive them both. i have driven the new lightnings and will say they are great but my 72 chevy truck will spank ones ***, and i have about $15k less in it. it is all based on the driving experiance you get from bothe cars after you drive it.

just my .02 cents

<img border="0" alt="[hail]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Camaro]" title="" src="graemlins/camaro.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Firebird]" title="" src="graemlins/formula.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Corvette]" title="" src="graemlins/corvette.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Z06 Corvette]" title="" src="graemlins/z06.gif" />

 

I'd buy a good, used C5. Just check out the C5's for sale at www.corvetteforum.com! The prices on some of them are a friggin bargain. Now is definitely time to buy a 'vette. I wouldn't even consider the Mustang, but that's me. Besides, you're getting some incredibly swayed information from the Ford dealer. He'll tell ya just about whatever you want to hear if you'll just sign on the dotted line. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Get a nice, low-mileage C5, and don't look back.

 

Boy, with all the hype this car is getting, it better deliver or Ford will suffer even more humiliation than the 99 fiasco! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> This car is already been declared a world beater! I'm just not that impressed with the power output. 8psi on a dohc motor putting out 420hp. It's rated at 390 but real world numbers put it at 410-420. Not enough <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by wickedred:
<strong>i can say (coming form a previous new car salesman) that i would tell you a honda civic will run 10's if it would make you buys it. be smart about it. look a a roush stage3 cobra. that is what you are getting. there is a guys here in town that special ordered one. to say the least it is impressive. i would not have it though. ford had to go to a heavy iron block for 8psi. i know guys who are running 15-18psi on 98 model aluminum cobra blocks. what gives. ford must have thought thier blocks could not hold it. you ca take a stone stock 99 or 2000 vette and add the LPE charger and get 500hp and a warrant to boot, all wrapped up in a lighter car that will run rings around any thing ford will offer you. do your self a favor. buys what you want to, based on your own decision after you drive them both. i have driven the new lightnings and will say they are great but my 72 chevy truck will spank ones ***, and i have about $15k less in it. it is all based on the driving experiance you get from bothe cars after you drive it.

just my .02 cents

<img border="0" alt="[hail]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Camaro]" title="" src="graemlins/camaro.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Firebird]" title="" src="graemlins/formula.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Corvette]" title="" src="graemlins/corvette.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Z06 Corvette]" title="" src="graemlins/z06.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well what I read somewhere is that they had the engine at WOT for over 45mins (about as long as it took to run out of a full tank of gas) and the alluminum block wouldn't hold.

 

............plus, the vettes just have better lines. set a vette next to a mustang and then take a good look. and one more thing. vettes are 'chick magnets'.

 

What??
I think my magnet is broken! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" />

Eric

 

you can get a brand new 2002 Z06 for $46,000. They are all over the net with these prices. Check out Z06vette.com in the vendor forum.

As far as performance, these Z's just plain freag'in rock. My Z is bonestock and ran 12.10 at 117. I just dynoed this past weekend at MTI with 2900 miles:

364.0rwhp
350.6rwtq
SAE

and the car weighed 3046 on the HRP scale, no driver and 1/8 tank

<img border="0" alt="[Z06 Corvette]" title="" src="graemlins/z06.gif" />

 

I would buy a low mile 99 hardtop and throw in heads/cam/intake/headers. Then you will run 120mph trap speeds and out handle the Cobra as well. All for under 35K <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
cheers,
Chris