Backdraft or Hurricane?

slithern · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-2006, 09:04 AM

Hey guys, first time posting in the BDR forum. I am close to a decision and am looking for more opinions on what car to finalize the dream. Here is what i need an opinion on:

Hurricane Motorsports with IRS for roughly 34K complete

orrrrrr

BDR for 38.5k complete.

Assume all things like wheel and tire size, engine, trans being equal and i am not concerned about the wheelbase difference.

Which way should i go? Thanks for all input.

SkipB · #2 (**permalink**) 05-31-2006, 07:18 PM

slithern,

I am not too familiar with the Hurricane, being a Backdraft owner. But, I am wondering where you can get a new Backdraft, turnkey I assume for $38.5? What equipment (engine and tranny) is installed, and how does it compare with the Hurricane at $34?

Just curious if you are comparing apples and apples.

LMH · #3 (**permalink**) 05-31-2006, 08:22 PM

I'm kind of the oppisite of Skip in that I don't know much about Backdraft. Just from what I've read on this site, I'd say they are both well made.
I can answer just about any question you have about Hurricane but as far as which direction you should go, don't know.
Larry

Tim Brewer · #4 (**permalink**) 05-31-2006, 09:12 PM

Well, the Hurricane you build and the Backdraft you don't. If that helps.
Tim

Snakester · #5 (**permalink**) 06-07-2006, 02:14 PM

slithern,
Backdraft or Hurricane?.....Riding season is here! It's to hot to be stuck in a garage working on a "kit" when you could be "Cruising".
Snakester

ROUSHAC · #6 (**permalink**) 06-07-2006, 06:23 PM

ditto on what Snakester said!!!!

Cheers!
Dave

slithern · #7 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 01:07 AM

Yeah, i'm 90% sold on BDR. I think Apples to apples you get more. And i don't care about the extra wheelbase. i'm not an authentic fanatic( i mean that with a lot of love guys, so don't be offended). Now i'm leaning toward a previously owned BDR, if i can find one for the right price.

Ken Bisconti · #8 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 02:05 AM

Don't make you decision on a couple thousand bucks. Look at as many Cobra's as possible, ERA, SF, BD, F5, Hurricane, Unique, and all the others. Save your money and buy the one you like best. If you don't want to build one, shop used ones. Personally building them is half the fun!

Bill Bess · #9 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 06:33 AM

Slithern, I'm just an observer and have done a lot of research regarding both the BDR and the Hurricane Kit. Compare the frames, Hurricane is much stronger with it's top body support and new IRS set up. The Body is more correct and you can install an FE motor if you want. The BDR is finished at the factory, has a great paint job but softer driveline with the stock BMW suspension. Most have a small block set up like a 302 or 351w. It also has a high price...new or used. Both are great Cobras, it really boils down to Buy Complete or Build it. Have some fun and build it
Havasu Bill

BDR298 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 09:19 AM

I looked at Unique, Hurricane and Backdraft. All were very nice cars, all a little different. I talked to local painters and I started looking more at Backdraft when I saw how long it takes to get one back from paint. I was iin Florida and test drove a Backdraft and ended up buying it that day. I have not regretted it. I drive it a couple times every week.

madmaxx · #11 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 09:29 AM

I doubt you will build a hurricane for 34K with paint. I know you can build a bdr for 38.5 utilizing a FMS engine. Hurricane do not come with ss side pipes you have to pay extra for chroming. You will pay the same amount if not more in the end building a hurricane then buying a bdr turnkey minus and installing your own engine and trans with the added benefit of a factory assembled car which wil hold it value better. There has been a hurrincane for sale on cobra country for months now that have not sold. BDR must be on chassis 400 by now, hurricane is on 25, who do you think has had the opportunity for improvements

dlowman · #12 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 09:47 AM

Hurricane is actually well past 25 now. I take delivery on my number 54 in a couple of weeks. They are constantly making improvements on their cars and their customer service is great.

Dan

WOLFEMAN · #13 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 11:14 AM

I've owned BDR 369 for a couple of weeks now. I never intended to build a car myself so DIY kits weren't an option. I believe that Hurricane is about 25 miles from me but they weren't even a consideration based on my lack of desire to build one. I drove a couple of cars others had built and were selling and really came away with the belief that the quality of the car had something to do with the kit and an equal amount to do with the builder.

I've had a couple of minor issues with BDR 369 but the company has stood behind their product and I have confidence that they will (as they have already) make everything right. They are solid folks.

I'd buy from them again.

My suggestion would be to drive everything you can, especially BDR. Also, don't try to save a few bucks by going with a smaller motor than you ultimately may want. Parting with the $$$ will be less painful than future HP envy. I got a FMS 392 thinking it would be more than I needed.....but I was wrong.

If the handling of the car is important, the drive will convince you.

Good luck.

khansmith · #14 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 11:14 AM

Both are great cars. However, it is really about build vs. buy. I think for most of us, you fall into the guys that want to do this for the building experience with cool car at the end. The other half are those who don't care for the build portion (or don't have time) and just want the cool car. If you are the one that just wants the cool car, go BDR. If you want to build, it is a different set of options.

In terms of price, I give the caveat to my friends that building your own is not always cheaper than getting a roller. During a build, you usually have to spend "complimentary" budget on tools and the like. If you truly compared the total cost of build vs. buy (quality being the same) to me it is a wash.

Snakester · #15 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 02:12 PM

slithern, You say that you are @90% sold on BDR! Well let's work on that other 10%. I have helped build 2 FFR "kits".....They are great cars, but alot of work! I priced out a FFR non - donor , and w/all the extras I wanted ...ss-exhaust...ss roll bar...IRS...Show quality paint and body work...392 engine...not having to put it together....deal w/paint shop...Bottom line , you can buy a BDR Turnkey w/soft top/oil cooler/heater/Toneau cover and still have less $$$ than SPF and have a Factory Built Car that will hold it's value better than any "kit" out there!
I am considering selling my BDR261 this Fall and ordering another one to have ready to ride next Spring!
Snakester