Backdraft vs Superformance

[RMHINC]

Excaliber & Patrickt not sure if you guys can read but the debate is about Backdraft & Superformance . ERA is a nice car especially when ERA builds it. I looked into getting one but their shop was scary & it was going to take 2 years if they could find all the parts .Since you guys are talking do you have any knowledge of owning or driving a Superformance or a Backdraft . I drove both cars ! MY friend has an ERA & it is a beautiful car . He loves crusing with us on the parkway when he is in 4TH gear diong 4000 RPM. So if a Backdracft is a Wallmart Cobra what do you think of Factory Five ? Why don't you guys come to the run & gun and see how the wallmarts perform on the track . You guys do know that Cobra's were race cars right ? By the way I think Wallmart sells the 1970 GM brakes that are on your ERA .
BDR GT 40 Roush 342 R GT
67 GT 500 Roush 402 IR
65 Corvette Coupe 327 / 350
05 AMG SL 55
BDR # 656 Roush 402 SR

[poboy427]

The fit and finish on my SPF is "unreal". I have a early SPF with Glasruit paint. The company has been great to work with too.

As far as drivng a demo, I would not let that make my entire decison because it takes some work to get a car sorted and dialed in. Drive at least two demos if you can.

Early on I drove a Midstates car because they were located 200 miles from me. The car was terrible. Clunked, shook and so on. The next Midstates I drove was sorted and nicely setup. Just a few chassis/shock settings can make a big diff.

[Excaliber]

BDR, the Walmart of the Cobra industry...

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

BDR, the Walmart of the Cobra industry...

That's not exactly true. I am told you can now upgrade from the Pinto rear and the Vega brakes. Walmart would never let you do that....

[Nor Cal Al]

jdogginla,
If you are in CA, I have a Backdraft for sale. I am in the Sacramento area. PM me.
Thanks,
Al

[SkipB]

I can see this thread is going downhill fast! Handling problems? Walmart? What the heck is this all about? Sounds like sh_t stirring for no apparent reason.

Back to the original thought.

Both Superformance and Backdraft are great cars. I bought a Backdraft, because at the time is was many thousands of dollars cheaper than the Superformance, and I thought it handled and rode much better. (part of the cheaper aspect is fit, finish and paint. I have worked to correct all three in my car) The Superformance I drove had a huge 460 engine in it and seemed very front heavy and understeered like crazy. Maybe with a lighter engine it would have been more neutral?

In any case, I love my Backdraft But, I would have taken a Superformance as well, if I had a bigger budget. Another factor is at the time, there was a local Backdraft dealer near me, with the closest Superformance dealer an hour and a half away. Now, I realize that is no big deal.

Skip B

[Archrms]

Do yourself a favor, and creat a spreadsheet listing the base cost for each car as well as the options. After you add up all of the BDR options that come stock with the SPF, you will find that their cost is not that far apart. Then the decison comes down to fit, finish and paint. Just remember it is your choice, and the only thing that matters is what you are happy with.

[RMHINC]

Don't forget to add the cost of an upgrade to 17 " wheels on the SPF. I don't think you can get Goodyear Eagle's so it's a tough comp? Also the polished sidepipes if you like that look. Agin they are both great cars .Personally I like the 315 rear tires and the wide look of the BDR from the back and the car hooks up . Also I did not want a soft top which is included in the SPF price .

[RMHINC]

forgot to say it but drive both cars. The check list & spreadsheet is also a good idea . Which ever car you get take a good look at the Roush motors. This is my 2nd Cobra & this one has the Roush 402 SR and it's awesome. 500 HP and a 2 year warranty no questions asked !

BDR GT 40 Roush 342 R GT
67 gt 500 Roush 402 IR
BDR Cobra Roush 402 SR
65 Corvette Coupe 327/350
05 AMG SL 55

[SP01715]

Originally Posted by RMHINC

Don't forget to add the cost of an upgrade to 17 " wheels on the SPF. I don't think you can get Goodyear Eagle's so it's a tough comp? Also the polished sidepipes if you like that look. Agin they are both great cars .Personally I like the 315 rear tires and the wide look of the BDR from the back and the car hooks up . Also I did not want a soft top which is included in the SPF price .

I have 315/17's on my SPF and I have seen 335/18's.

[PANAVIA]

I personally like the SPF, but i would go to a few cruise ins and talk with owners.

[Jamo]

Obviously, we're watching this thread...let's not have sparks fly.

[Gatorac]

If your looking for a turn-key Cobra replica, I would suggest you look at the low mileage used ones available. This would give you the opportunity to drive the exact car you would be purchasing. Often a low mileage used will have some of the bugs worked out that can occur with these cars. It may help you avoid the situation I am in with my BDR. That dang shimmy that has happened since mile one and continues to happen with 8k miles. I've balanced the tires more times that I can remember with no improvement.

[Madmiles442]

Originally Posted by SkipB

The Superformance I drove had a huge 460 engine in it and seemed very front heavy and understeered like crazy. Maybe with a lighter engine it would have been more neutral?
Skip B

Yes, considerably. On the street or especially on the track.

Originally Posted by Gatorac

.....That dang shimmy that has happened since mile one and continues to happen with 8k miles. I've balanced the tires more times that I can remember with no improvement.

Congratulations, it has been confirmed that you do, in fact, own a Cobra.

[Powershift1038]

Keep in mind that if you live in California (which I know you do) you have to deal with the SB100 registration issue. Right now.. DMV referee stations have been closed thanks to the state budget cuts. Getting a car with a current SB100 would be a great start for a new Cobra owner, and simplify the ownership process... no matter what brand you purchase.

[Dinobyte]

Originally Posted by Powershift1038

Keep in mind that if you live in California (which I know you do) you have to deal with the SB100 registration issue. Right now.. DMV referee stations have been closed thanks to the state budget cuts. Getting a car with a current SB100 would be a great start for a new Cobra owner, and simplify the ownership process... no matter what brand you purchase.

You would not be able to get an SB100 until January 2009 anyway, so no issue here...this actually might work in your favor, as you will have a legitimate reason to get additonal Temporary Operating Permits.

[CoupedUp]

Originally Posted by Jamo

Obviously, we're watching this thread...let's not have sparks fly.

Won't happen - both cars are fiberglass!
Doug

[dlang14]

I like both cars. when i bought my spf the closest backdraft dealer was 6 hours away, and he rubbed me the wrong way talking about registration (he was dead wrong, but thats another story). at the time i couldnt find a local backdraft to even see let alone drive.

one thing i dont like (personal taste) is the gauges in the backdraft. clearly this can be fixed....dinobites car is a fine example just factor in the budget. then again those gauges might actually work which could be a plus hehehe reminds me i gotta find time to swap the water temp gauge

I also like 15" wheels but thats just me

[Jimbocobra]

Time to stir the pot in this debate:
I have a Superformance Dealer 30 minutes from my home and after driving the SPF and the Backdraft, I just paid to have a Backdraft shipped across the county and am now the proud owner of BDR #357. It handles like a dream, the ride is great and it corners like it is on rails. Fit and finish is fantastic. I have nothing against Superformance, but there is no way in the world Superformance is a better handling car - just no way - the tracks prove that out over-and-over. I could have had either one, drove them both, and liked the look and handling of the Backdraft better. It really comes down to personal preference. Put the same engine in both, take them on the track with the same driver and you will see that the Backdraft handles better, drive them on the street and they both feel great. Fit and finish are similar. Superformance might be a little better, but not for the price. You truly can't go wrong with either and unfortunately it comes down to personal preference. Sometimes things that are more expensive are not better, they are just overpriced. I love the SPF, just like the BDR a bit more.

[Gatorac]

keep in mind that the SPF does not use parts from other manufacturers that were not intended for a Cobra. I believe BDR uses Toyota front end?? (someone correct me if I am worng)

You are wrong.