Cobra power, how much is enough?

[PHC1]

Not that it really matters as far as the discussion goes but just for the record and so you guys don't waste your time posting suggestions and such, my daily is a '2008 911 twin turbo with 560HP. It's all-wheel drive and very manageable. I can and do use ALL the power in that car when the opportunity presents itself and it is safe to do so.

I've also owned a few other cars in the past few years including the latest Ferrari 458 with 570HP and that car was a lot of fun, I could put most of the power down most of the time with the traction+stability control telling me "NO WAY" on a few occasions... Yes it sounded fantastic with that V8 behind the back screaming all the way to 9000 rpms and making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up! The sound of most Ferrari cars at WOT is unforgettable.

I've never felt the urge to upgrade the Nissan GT-R that I just got rid of and it was brand new... For the price of the Cobra, the GT-R can be easily turned into a 1100HP monster and it already does 0-60 in 2.8 sec stock with 545HP. Booooring.... Too civilized, too capable, too perfect. There was nothing it couldn't do and most of the time I drove it hard I had two things to say, it was either, "I never knew a "car" could do "THAT" or I never knew "I" could do "THAT" and live to tell about it... I got rid of it as there was nothing more or exciting I could gain from that relationship. Same reason why when I test drove the new McLaren MP4-12C a few times already, it just doesn't excite me. Maybe it's just me... I must be weird. I ride motorcycles like many others here and I am no stranger to very fast sport bikes. I like riding bikes and yes, they are dangerous! Speed doesn't scare me, the statistics do! I've seen too much, heard too much and nearly been waffled myself a few times...

So why do I even want a Cobra? Because I've always admired and loved the Cobra and because the sound of a free breathing, normally aspirated, big displacement, hunk of an American V8 iron under the hood and the mechanical, raw, feel that appeals to me. It's not about going ultra fast, it's not about seeking the ultimate back road carver or trying to impress someone or scare the crap out of myself. It's about walking into a garage and seeing that familiar shape that has always excited me and hearing that big V8 come to life with that intoxicating rumble and to row through the gears as the bold, loud and proud exhaust note bounces off nearby objects and to feel the wind in my hair. I don't want another car that feels like I am in a Formula 1 car and actually drives like it can compete with any F1 cars from a decade ago... I want a car that is more challenging, more raw and rewarding with all the flaws it has! I think you guys get it... At the same time I don't feel the need to put the hammer down and go sideways at 100mph either... I feel every car/chassis/setup has a "sweet spot" where it is fun to drive and doesn't feel over or under powered.

I also didn't post the above to somehow brag about the cars I own or have owned... I have been fortunate to enjoy a few very nice cars/toys along the way but I don't like to seek attention because of them, please don't take it that way. I'm simply trying to explain my point of view on this and why I asked the question. I'm sure there are many other members here that have many nice toys!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by PHC1

So why do I even want a Cobra? Because I've always admired and loved the Cobra and because the sound of a free breathing, normally aspirated, big displacement, hunk of an American V8 iron under the hood and the mechanical, raw, feel that appeals to me.

I think for many "green" people who come here to CC, after experiencing the sound and raw feel, they then sometimes will want to move on. That's what some of the guys here are saying by referring to the sad stories.

That raw feel and sound can eventually become a huge turnoff to some new Cobra buyers.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I think for many "green" people who come here to CC, after experiencing the sound and raw feel, they then sometimes will want to move on. That's what some of the guys here are saying by referring to the sad stories.

That raw feel and sound can eventually become a huge turnoff to some new Cobra buyers.

I can certainly see how a Cobra may not appeal to some... I doubt I would not like it as long as I can drive it in reasonable comfort being 6'2", which is what I am trying to determine first. Sounds promising so far based on the responses to my question about that issue but I have to go and sit in one. The rest would fall into place as I love cars with character and soul.

I have to command the guys that moved on for at least trying and not wishing they had the rest of their lives.

[JBCOBRA]

So out of curiosity why would you want a Highly Dangerous Ancient Design Analogue pos car like a Cobra?
Unless you have decided to Eat Some Bacon and Man up to the most thrilling vehicle of all time???
LOL

Just kidding ....about the bacon

Originally Posted by PHC1;1;)195300

Not that it really matters as far as the discussion goes but just for the record and so you guys don't waste your time posting suggestions and such, my daily is a '2008 911 twin turbo with 560HP. It's all-wheel drive and very manageable. I can and do use ALL the power in that car when the opportunity presents itself and it is safe to do so.

I've also owned a few other cars in the past few years including the latest Ferrari 458 with 570HP and that car was a lot of fun, I could put most of the power down most of the time with the traction+stability control telling me "NO WAY" on a few occasions... Yes it sounded fantastic with that V8 behind the back screaming all the way to 9000 rpms and making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up! The sound of most Ferrari cars at WOT is unforgettable.

I've never felt the urge to upgrade the Nissan GT-R that I just got rid of and it was brand new... For the price of the Cobra, the GT-R can be easily turned into a 1100HP monster and it already does 0-60 in 2.8 sec stock with 545HP. Booooring.... Too civilized, too capable, too perfect. There was nothing it couldn't do and most of the time I drove it hard I had two things to say, it was either, "I never knew a "car" could do "THAT" or I never knew "I" could do "THAT" and live to tell about it... I got rid of it as there was nothing more or exciting I could gain from that relationship. Same reason why when I test drove the new McLaren MP4-12C a few times already, it just doesn't excite me. Maybe it's just me... I must be weird. I ride motorcycles like many others here and I am no stranger to very fast sport bikes. I like riding bikes and yes, they are dangerous! Speed doesn't scare me, the statistics do! I've seen too much, heard too much and nearly been waffled myself a few times...

So why do I even want a Cobra? Because I've always admired and loved the Cobra and because the sound of a free breathing, normally aspirated, big displacement, hunk of an American V8 iron under the hood and the mechanical, raw, feel that appeals to me. It's not about going ultra fast, it's not about seeking the ultimate back road carver or trying to impress someone or scare the crap out of myself. It's about walking into a garage and seeing that familiar shape that has always excited me and hearing that big V8 come to life with that intoxicating rumble and to row through the gears as the bold, loud and proud exhaust note bounces off nearby objects and to feel the wind in my hair. I don't want another car that feels like I am in a Formula 1 car and actually drives like it can compete with any F1 cars from a decade ago... I want a car that is more challenging, more raw and rewarding with all the flaws it has! I think you guys get it... At the same time I don't feel the need to put the hammer down and go sideways at 100mph either... I feel every car/chassis/setup has a "sweet spot" where it is fun to drive and doesn't feel over or under powered.

I also didn't post the above to somehow brag about the cars I own or have owned... I have been fortunate to enjoy a few very nice cars/toys along the way but I don't like to seek attention because of them, please don't take it that way. I'm simply trying to explain my point of view on this and why I asked the question. I'm sure there are many other members here that have many nice toys!

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by JBCOBRA

So out of curiosity why would you want a Highly Dangerous Ancient Design Analogue pos car like a Cobra?
Unless you have decided to Eat Some Bacon and Man up to the most thrilling vehicle of all time???
LOL

Just kidding ....about the bacon

I think I already mentioned the reason I am attracted to Cobra in previous posts but yes, I'm after the "thrill". Love the Cobra idea so far, we'll see how it turns out long term. That I am going to get one is pretty obvious, I have been reading up here and elsewhere as much as I can and usually that means only one thing, it will be in the garage someday!