Replacement for a Cobra.

[mikiec]

I'm in with a 34 Ford.

[Cobra #3170]

If you are in it for the looks you get, you probably should not be driving a Cobra because it will bite you, especially if you are not totally focused on driving it all the time every time.

[donkeykong]

Originally Posted by Cobra #3170

If you are in it for the looks you get, you probably should not be driving a Cobra because it will bite you, especially if you are not totally focused on driving it all the time every time.

I'll have to say, I've read that comment 1,000 times on this site and find it to be complete horse s**t!

There's nothing different about the Cobra than any other high performance vehicle I've ever driven, or I'm just that good of a driver.

People must be driving these things like complete a**holes to require Total Focus at all times every time you sit in a Cobra.

I seriously don't get it.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by donkeykong

There's nothing different about the Cobra than any other high performance vehicle I've ever driven, or I'm just that good of a driver.

I seriously don't get it.

How much power does you car make?

[donkeykong]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

How much power does you car make?

Around 450 hp.

[Cobra #3170]

Originally Posted by donkeykong

Around 450 hp.

If you have watched this forum for very long you will see that there are a large number of accidents with these cars both on and off tracks. Short wheel base
relatively wide track and throttle on and off oversteer can make a deadly combination for inexperienced drivers. Most of the accidents happen to relatively new or inexperienced drivers, buying one of these cars and not taking driving it very seriously is an invitation to disaster. I have driven lots of high performance cars and none was as difficult to maintain control over as a Cobra.
By the way, you are a bit light on horsepower, perhaps yours is easier to drive than some. If your car has a solid rear axle you also don't have a rear toe steer issue that can make handling tricky.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by donkeykong

People must be driving these things like complete a**holes to require Total Focus at all times every time you sit in a Cobra.

I think driving anything anywhere requires total focus today. Everyone seems to be texting, talking, reading, eating, shaving, combing their hair, putting on their makeup, looking for something they dropped, etc., that few pay attention to the road anymore.

[itstock]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I think driving anything anywhere requires total focus today. Everyone seems to be texting, talking, reading, eating, shaving, combing their hair, putting on their makeup, looking for something they dropped, etc., that few pay attention to the road anymore.

Oh yes, if we are talking about paying attention to OTHER drivers, I completely agree. We are practically driving around in a 4 wheel motorcycle, not exactly the safest thing on the road.

[donkeykong]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I think driving anything anywhere requires total focus today. Everyone seems to be texting, talking, reading, eating, shaving, combing their hair, putting on their makeup, looking for something they dropped, etc., that few pay attention to the road anymore.

Well, I do completely agree with that. My disagreement comes from the notion that if I'm not paying complete and total attention to my car it's going to just lose control at a moments notice and I'm going to be consumed by a fiery death!

I cruise it, I get on it, I take it thru the twisties, I DRIVE it. I've just never felt like I'm in danger at all.

It was some of the same stuff I would read or hear on the Honda S2000 forum...I touched the gas pedal in the rain and my car spun around in traffic and flipped over into a ditch! No it didn't, you were driving like an a**hole!

I drove an S2000 year round for 4 years thru Midwest Central Illinois winters. There was nothing unsafe about that particular car in the rain or snow for that matter. To some it was a death trap that was waiting to pounce at any given moment. It just wasn't true.

[itstock]

Originally Posted by donkeykong

I'll have to say, I've read that comment 1,000 times on this site and find it to be complete horse s**t!

There's nothing different about the Cobra than any other high performance vehicle I've ever driven, or I'm just that good of a driver.

People must be driving these things like complete a**holes to require Total Focus at all times every time you sit in a Cobra.

I seriously don't get it.

I'm not a good driver, but I was going to make a very similar comment. In reality, it depends a LOT on the chassis/build though. I'm quite comfortable in my Backdraft, but I wouldn't consider doing a lot of things I do in this car compared to some of the other poor suspension replica's/kit cars that I see.

Magic doesn't happen just because it's a Cobra, but the short wheel base WILL get you in trouble a little bit quicker. It's pretty simple IMO....try not to do a "burnout" or dump the clutch while going around a turn and most of the cobra drivers could have avoided their accidents.

Honestly I feel more comfortable in this car than the 2nd gen viper (which the 96/97 GTS would be an excellent choice as suggested) and most certainly more confident in the cars capabilities over a C5 Z06 (with tc off in the z).

[donkeykong]

Originally Posted by itstock

I'm not a good driver, but I was going to make a very similar comment. In reality, it depends a LOT on the chassis/build though. I'm quite comfortable in my Backdraft, but I wouldn't consider doing a lot of things I do in this car compared to some of the other poor suspension replica's/kit cars that I see.

Magic doesn't happen just because it's a Cobra, but the short wheel base WILL get you in trouble a little bit quicker. It's pretty simple IMO....try not to do a "burnout" or dump the clutch while going around a turn and most of the cobra drivers could have avoided their accidents.

Honestly I feel more comfortable in this car than the 2nd gen viper (which the 96/97 GTS would be an excellent choice as suggested) and most certainly more confident in the cars capabilities over a C5 Z06 (with tc off in the z).

That seems to be the truth of the matter in the entire thing. It always involves a turn and a gas pedal on the floor.

I can get into trouble with a Miata under the same circumstances.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by donkeykong

I can get into trouble with a Miata under the same circumstances.

That ain't a bad replacement idea for the OP. Why not an early 1st Gen Miata, say an R package?

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by donkeykong

I'll have to say, I've read that comment 1,000 times on this site and find it to be complete horse s**t!

There's nothing different about the Cobra than any other high performance vehicle I've ever driven, or I'm just that good of a driver.

People must be driving these things like complete a**holes to require Total Focus at all times every time you sit in a Cobra.

I seriously don't get it.

Yup...evidently you don't.

[1985 CCX]

There is no replacement for a Cobra

Just like

There is nothing like the stench of the iguana

[rpatton3]

My wonderful wife has a 5,000 mile Inspiration Yellow 2002 Thunderbird. It never gets driven in rain or snow and the yellow hardtop is hanging in garage above the red Backdraft Roadster.

Down on power but very handsome car. Interior looks like a bumblebee. Very nice ride, smooth and comfortable car.

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by krkucin

I am looking for a suitable replacement for my SPF 427 Cobra.

A hot Latina, cash, a secluded beach and tequila.

[vatdevil]

Originally Posted by Jamo

A hot Latina, cash, a secluded beach and tequila.

This option isn't reliable enough to drive regularly. Early model Viper is good option.

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by vatdevil

This option isn't reliable enough to drive regularly.

Obviously senior, you did not have enough pesos.

[SigSauer]

Originally Posted by Jamo

A hot Latina, cash, a secluded beach and tequila.

Best post I've seen yet!

Any one of the above can hurt you more than any Cobra could

[REAL 1]

I agree with Sun Dude.


Blue w/white stripes '96 Viper GTS can be had for around the same price of a nice SPF. They have way more creature comforts, they are head turners, fast and likely future classics.

Not as raw as a Cobra nor near the same exhaust note but that would be my move if I was replacing a SPF for the reasons you stated. Well, actually, Jamo's suggestion would be my first move.