PROs and cons of ERA and Contemporary

[King- cobra]

Just looking for some thoughts of the pros and cons of each car?

[racco]

I can't speak for the era but the ccx has plenty of pros
pro's
round tube frame similar to the original
full e type suspension and steering not mustang two or gm
most all of the parts used are period correct
shape near perfect, ass a tad high
excellent ride quality
fit and finish and good body stiffness
most have 427 side oilers and top loaders
with some effort the ccx can be turned into an excellent replica

con's
when you copy copy right, ccx's have some odd engineering
hung pedals
upside down door handles
straight up radiator
trans tunnel wrong shape
wiper motor in the wrong spot
etc etc
these are little things but when you are looking for a copy of a ac cobra
you want a copy of an ac cobra not some guys attempt of a copy.
These cons are small items and don't effect the way the car performs
but when you have a trained eye ( and you start to learn the difference betwwen cobra kits) its hard to settle for an average copy.
In comparison to a superformance the ccx drives near identical. The superformance has lighter steering.

[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.

[mrmustang]

You could not go wrong with either or, some will say that Contemporary is out of business as a con, but there are more than enough talented people here making parts for the car that this is not an issue. As someone who has owned both (multiple times I might add), I would not hesitate to own another down the road.


Bill S.

[mickmate]

Sounds like Steve is trying to decide which one to keep.......

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by mickmate

Sounds like Steve is trying to decide which one to keep.......

Yep. Keep the one that "fits" you better. No one in the real world would ever, ever, ever spot an upside down door latch unless they had owned one (real or fake) themselves. The same is true for all of the other differences as well.

[King- cobra]

Nick,
You are exactly right. I have been blessed to have two great cars and since I am not as familiar with comtemporary as I am ERA. My ERA has all upgraded suspension front and rear but I will not track the car. I like the Smith Gauges and six pins on the Comp car. I beleive someone stated like this blondes or redheads both are great. Just looking for thoughts.
Thanks guys