Backdraft VS. Superformance??? - Page 2

Dinobyte · #1 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 06:08 PM

So for those of you who ask if people if they have ever driven a SPF, have any of you ever driven a BDR?

Tony Aprile · #2 (**permalink**) 05-25-2007, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

So for those of you who ask if people if they have ever driven a SPF, have any of you ever driven a BDR?

I asked that question, and NO I have not driven a BDR. and why would I have made a comparison to a vehicle I have not driven...but I guess some of you can.

Tony

Cashburn · #3 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 07:13 PM

Best thing to do is come in and take a look and go for a spin. We've got customers that are always around and happy to scare the pants off you in the ejector seat.

Roz sent a guy back to the UK this week with a perma-grin and a Vintage Motorsports T-Shirt on his back.

And since you build engines I'd be happy to meet you, always looking for engine builders!!!

Durt · #4 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 08:09 PM

Well - I guess my question will remain wanting. How is the Backdraft vastly superior in handling? Lap times? Documented race results?
All I can say is this: I run lots of club events, and amomg all of the ERA's, Kirkham's, Factory Five's and whatever else show up to these events, I have yet to see a particular brand spotted laps due to it's superiority.
Heck - maybe all the drivers of other marques are just slow - but in my experience, I have yet to see one replica manufacturer clean everyone else's clock on a road course.
Dick Smith could've lapped everyone on this board in a Ford Escort.
Spare me the brand chest beating.

Cashburn · #5 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 08:30 PM

I can round out the details if you need them:

millennium200 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 09:23 PM

If and when they pass a law outlawing people with more money than brains I believe the Cobra owners real or replica will be at the top of the arrest list and all locked up in the same cell block. So as usual let your pocketbook and conscience be your guide. With all of that said just look at a SPF and a Backdraft side by side and if you cant see the difference in fit finish and quality of materials used in a 28k car compared to a 41k car then their is nothing anyone here can say or do to convince you one way or another. Good luck in your quest.

millennium200 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 09:26 PM

If and when they pass a law outlawing people with more money than brains I believe the Cobra owners real or replica will be at the top of the arrest list and all locked up in the same cell block. So as usual let your pocketbook and conscience be your guide. With all of that said just look at a SPF and a Backdraft side by side and if you cant see the difference in fit finish and quality of materials used in a 28k car compared to a 41k car then there is nothing anyone here can say or do to convince you one way or another. Good luck in your quest.

Durt · #8 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 09:19 PM

Please do - I'm not sure what I'm looking at. It took me awhile to associate #24 "AC Cobra" to the Backdraft in the picture.

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 10:20 PM

Are we to believe BDR car #24 pictured above is only a mere $28K?

Or that it has ANYTHING in common with an original 427 race Cobra?

Gimme a break...

Cashburn · #10 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excaliber

Or that it has ANYTHING in common with an original 427 race Cobra?

Define a "race" Cobra...

then you can define a "street" Cobra

Oh yeah it is a fiberglass body with a rectangular tube frame, just like your fakey ERA.

Durt · #11 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 10:22 PM

I was also wondering if that was the "roller" that blows the competition in the weeds.

Durt · #12 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 10:32 PM

From the Backdraft website:

Chassis: 2x4 rectangular tubing box frame.
Rear suspension: wishbones with coil-overs and a swaybar.
Front suspension: wishbones, coil-overs & swaybar.

Cheaper than Superformance? I'm all ears. Superior performance? Keep talking.

Cashburn · #13 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durt

From the Backdraft website:

Chassis: 2x4 rectangular tubing box frame.
Rear suspension: wishbones with coil-overs and a swaybar.
Front suspension: wishbones, coil-overs & swaybar.

Cheaper than Superformance? I'm all ears. Superior performance? Keep talking.

Same frame, same suspension layout and design. Different tires for the track (of course), different roll bar for the track (of course), bigger brakes and additional cooling ducts.

Oh yeah, we have a factory lightweight as well ... over the counter. Same design as the standard roller, simply lighter with some aero mods (you want to go faster you need aero on your side).

Totally getting off the original discussion now... but to answer your question the heart of the beast and the design structure is the same.

Cashburn · #14 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durt

Cheaper than Superformance? I'm all ears. Superior performance? Keep talking.

We would need evidence to the contrary of course...

Durt · #15 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 11:07 PM

I actually think the #24 car is gorgeous. I wish I had the space to garage a full track spec racer alongside my S/C.
I just think it's a bit disingenuous to post pictures of your race mule as something a first time buyer could aspire to.

"We would need evidence to the contrary of course.."

What, price or performance?

STCinc · #16 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 11:17 PM

I looked at both BDR and SPF when I was looking in 2003. When put side-by-side with the same options / equipment (ie: tonneau, top, leather, knock-offs, etc) the cost was not so dramatic to go to the SPF vs the BDR. I went with the SPF, "I" felt it was a better , quality car; but that was my opinion.

The other thought to keep in mind is this, IS THERE A DEALER IN THE AREA TO ASSIST AFTER THE SALE??? That might make a big difference if you need anything after the sale....

So, make sure your comparing apples to apples and then take each for a drive.. But regardless, you will not regret it!!!!!!!!!!!! Just enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

Durt · #17 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 11:25 PM

Let me put in simple terms. I admit I don't know anything about Backdraft other than they offer a very similar SPF package for thousands of dollars less. When I bought SPF 243 in 1997 it cost 29K, and was worth every nickel. It's still worth close to what I have in it (excluding motor,) and that's unheard of as an automotive investment.
If you're on a budget, and a Backdraft is a similarly appointed and quality assembled Cobra along the lines of an SPF - by all means - consider one.
But DON'T blow smoke up anyone's keester that it's a vastly superior unit.
It ain't.

Whiplash · #18 (**permalink**) 05-25-2007, 12:12 AM

I was in the same boat just this last year. I was shopping out all the parameters. I chose the BDR for size and footbox, plus it came with a great dealer that cared about their product (not saying the spf dealers don't). This question is a touchy one as it pitts two "replica" cobras against each other that are very similar in product.

From my research SPF had been around a long time and had worked the kinks out, BDR is the new kid on the block and was better and a little cheaper-but was still working stuff out. My car is awesome-but not without some small issues. Don't expect it to be a Z06, it's not. It's going to be a labor of love, mine already is. I'm changing stuff daily. Jay at Vintage has been great as far as advice and support, it's been invaluable, and it's why I chose a BDR. I'm going to get in trouble saying this but Jay is the Kirkham of the BDR.

So here's the skinny. Get in both. Drive both. Make sure it is what you want it do be/do. Make sure the engines/drivetrains are the same. If you need a ride in mine-feel free to drop me a line, I'll make sure you crap your pants. It's an unrivaled experience.

-Sean

ROUSHAC · #19 (**permalink**) 05-25-2007, 12:08 AM

JC Performance,

Sometimes this place reminds me of the old joke about going to watch a fight, but a hockey game broke out.

Everyone loves the brand they have, and everyone has their own opinion about what makes a "good" or "correct" Cobra. That doesn't make anyone right or wrong, since it's all subjective.

The only thing that REALLY matters is what YOU think will fit your needs best, what your budget is, and perhaps how close to a dealer you are located.

Personally try out cars from several manufacturers and make your own choice. One of them WILL scream "BUY ME!" to you. Any of the Cobras mentioned above will make you happy. They are all good in different ways.

Good luck whatever you decide upon.

rdorman · #20 (**permalink**) 05-25-2007, 06:31 AM

.... now did I say this will stir the pot or did I!

This is always like asking whose wife is more beautiful

JCperformance, come to London Ohio next month and you can test them out, both companies will be there and dozens of examples of each. Plus, you get this group together and they quickly forget all about who made what because they are having such a great time together!

That or the large quantities of margarita's.

Bring one of those bad a$$ speed boats from your website as well... we will find some water