Cobra vs exotics at the track???

[tnc110]

I had an amazing day today, went to Atlanta Motorsports Park and got to take a few laps in a Ferrari Italia 458. First time on a road course for me, I was quit impressed. Even the little Mitsubishi Evos were a blast to ride in...I could not believe how fast a 290 hp car could make it around the track, what a different track tires make!!!

I hope this urge to go to the track more, passes soon, as this could get expensive!!!

So,to the questions...can a 427sc keep up with these newer machines on a technical course like Atlanta? I guess the power to weight ratio goes to the Cobra, but is it enough to out weigh all the computer aids that these new exotics have.

Which Cobra manufacturer should I look at if I think I might want to go play at the track on occasion?

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by tnc110

I had an amazing day today, went to Atlanta Motorsports Park and got to take a few laps in a Ferrari Italia 458. First time on a road course for me, I was quit impressed. Even the little Mitsubishi Evos were a blast to ride in...I could not believe how fast a 290 hp car could make it around the track, what a different track tires make!!!

I hope this urge to go to the track more, passes soon, as this could get expensive!!!

So,to the questions...can a 427sr keep up with these newer machines on a technical course like Atlanta? I guess the power to weight ratio goes to the Cobra, but is it enough to out weigh all the computer aids that these new exotics have.

Which Cobra manufacturer should I look at if I think I might want to go play at the track on occasion?

Do a search on here for Cobra csx3170, you can watch his Cobra kick the **** out of anything on a road course...

[LMH]

W/O getting into huge money, I think the best bang for the buck is a Factory Five Spec Racer for a track car. It can still be street legal, so you don't have to get into trailer, tow vehicle, etc. That's where it gets really expensive.
Larry

[Tommy]

In my track day experience, I have seen the following brands do well (in no particular order):

• Superformance
• Backdraft
• FFR
• ERA
• Everett Morrison
• JBL
• Unique Motors
• Hurricane Motors

Other brands likely have as much track potential, but I haven't seen them.

The biggest differences in performance were due to driver skill, tires and preparation. On a short, slower track where aerodynamics didn't matter much, I easily chased down and passed a C6 Corvette Z06 in the hands of an inexperienced driver. On a large, high speed track I was easily passed by a Porsche in the hands of a very experienced driver. You can always find someone faster than you and someone slower.

My bottom line is that a really good driver in an old style analog car like a Cobra replica can be as fast as an average driver in a modern car full of computer assistance. But if you put the same driver in a Cobra and a Ferrari 458, he'll likely be faster in the Ferrari.

[undy]

My late model Z06 would literally annihilate my Cobra on a HPDE. 50 years of technology is hard to compete with (brakes/tires/suspension/etc).

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

See post #2. It shows that an old (or technologically old) car can whup a new tech car if prepared and driven properly.

[tnc110]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

See post #2. It shows that an old (or technologically old) car can whup a new tech car if prepared and driven properly.

What builder and engine is in this car?

[mikeinatlanta]

Boy this thread could go South easily. IMO, you have to segregate originals and those attempting an accurate replication, cars meant for street duty, and finally cars shaped like a cobra with suspension and chassis designed for the track. If talking about the latter, the cobra wins against any production car.

As an example: My still incomplete heavily modified ffr (cobra tribute, not replica) comes in at less than 2,100 pounds with a full cage, full aero package, modern brembo brakes, 700+hp, wide rubber, and quality racing suspension. It would be unrealistic to think any production street car would keep up at the track.

[tnc110]

I would be interested in a replica, no aero package.

Mikeinatlanta, where will you be running your car, I would love to see it?
Do you have a build thread?

[mikeinatlanta]

no build thread. assorted pics at dynashield.com and area specific threads at ffcars. it's a full mockup build and I'll do a build thread on final assembly.

[Gary(SF)]

Originally Posted by undy

My late model Z06 would literally annihilate my Cobra on a HPDE. 50 years of technology is hard to compete with (brakes/tires/suspension/etc).

Exactly. My Cobra is significantly faster in a straight line than my (recently sold) C6 Z06, but there is no question the Z06 is the faster track car. Assuming equal drivers any of the current supercar crop is much quicker on a road course than any Cobra. Modern electronics turn the average driver into Lewis Hamilton, it's literally amazing how much technology has accomplished in the driver aid area.

[dallas_]

If you want a good track car for the price it's hard to beat a Miata.

[Texasdoc]

Originally Posted by Gary(SF)

Modern electronics turn the average driver into Lewis Hamilton, it's literally amazing how much technology has accomplished in the driver aid area.

Didn't Lewis wreck his $2M Zonda? Although I think the other car was parked and there was some kind of spirits involved.

[keezling]

Shhh! In the jungle we come upon a small group of male Silverbacks. Each trying to gain dominance over the rest of the group. We soon realize it's the same group we always encounter at the same spot! Amazing! Anyone know of a outfit that delivers popcorn by the cubic yard? Just messing with you guys, carry on. LOL

[mikeinatlanta]

Originally Posted by Gary(SF)

Exactly. My Cobra is significantly faster in a straight line than my (recently sold) C6 Z06, but there is no question the Z06 is the faster track car. Assuming equal drivers any of the current supercar crop is much quicker on a road course than any Cobra. Modern electronics turn the average driver into Lewis Hamilton, it's literally amazing how much technology has accomplished in the driver aid area.

"Any cobra"?
Using that logic, a production vette would outperform a tube framed vette without driver aids. Or is it that a race chassis knows that it is bodied with a vintage styled body and must therefore slow down? What if you were to take the famed miata and drop 500 pounds of fat with a tube chassis? Would it be faster? what if you took the miata body off and installed a lighter still cobra body? Would that suddenly slow it down?

[Gary(SF)]

Originally Posted by mikeinatlanta

"Any cobra"?
Using that logic, a production vette would outperform a tube framed vette without driver aids. Or is it that a race chassis knows that it is bodied with a vintage styled body and must therefore slow down? What if you were to take the famed miata and drop 500 pounds of fat with a tube chassis? Would it be faster? what if you took the miata body off and installed a lighter still cobra body? Would that suddenly slow it down?

Okay, "any Cobra" was clearly the wrong phrase. I think the OP was asking about our street Cobras...

[Gary(SF)]

Originally Posted by Texasdoc

Didn't Lewis wreck his $2M Zonda? Although I think the other car was parked and there was some kind of spirits involved.

Don't forget all the magic can be turned off. In Lewis's case, yeah, middle of the night, alcohol, all the magic in world won't help if you just drive into something.

[tnc110]

Originally Posted by dallas_

If you want a good track car for the price it's hard to beat a Miata.

My friend just bought a Miata for a track car....but I could never bring myself to buy a Miata, no matter how fast they may be.

[tnc110]

Originally Posted by Gary(SF)

Okay, "any Cobra" was clearly the wrong phrase. I think the OP was asking about our street Cobras...

That is correct. I am not looking for a committed track car...I would want a street car that I could throw a set of tires on and play with some friends at the track.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by dallas_

If you want a good track car for the price it's hard to beat a Miata.

Yup. I've seen those pesky little Miatas shred the track at Willow Springs before. They are like slot cars!