[RICK LAKE]

King-cobra If you have owned and driving both, what's the issue?
Both are top of the line for replica cobras. Last time I check contemp is out of bussiness and era is still going strong. The basic different is between round tubing like the orginial cobras and square tube of ERA which I think is stronger in it's frame design.
Suspension is the differents and brakes unless you go after market and then you end the originality of Contemp. IMO the torsion bar setup in a contemp gives a softer ride for street and would cost alot to customize for the track racing. You could also install softer coil springs on an ERA too. Both older cars need to have body work to fit 17" wheels and tires under the back end of the car. ERA has a cradle that isolates road vaibration to the body of the car. You can install a high power motor in either but have seen problems with rearend walk and breakage in a contemp more than an ERA. Watt's linkage has been made for both cars to stop and control wheel hop.
As far as replacement parts, ERA has a parts department and you can get almost anything in a 72 hour time frame. Contemp, Peter still sells Smith gauges but not sure about where to get parts for a contemp. ERA cobra are a constant improvement on every car with simplier and easier way to build a car. About 100 hours and you have an ERA driving minus body and paint work. Would guess about the same time to assembly an Contemp car. IMO owning either car is a PRO thing. 17 years with my ERA, autocross, roadrace, and 1/4 mile. The car is still as tight from day 1. If you want a test between ERA and contemp try this, if some owner will let you. Put a jack until the car and lift the frame and try and get 3 wheels off the ground listen for any noise. Try this with both cars. See who is the quiet one. Have a nice day. Rick L.