ERA vs. Unique

Archrms · #1 (**permalink**) 09-11-2006, 05:43 AM

The ERA is far and away the better car. The shape of the Unique is very good IMO - but when you look at things like the angle of the steering column and how high it is on the Unique vs the correct angle and height on the ERA, the fact that the Unique has a fiberglass "tub" that forms the interior vs the riveted aluminum to steel that forms the ERA interior....etc etc....no contest.

The above was quoted from an earlier post. Sorry, trying to learn the ropes on posting for this forum.

I am still comparing cars, and both ERA and Unique are among my final choices, along with Superformance. The all fiberglass "tub" of the Unique that you mention is the one thing that bothers me a little about their car. Was this a cost saving measure? I would think that aluminum panels like the ERA would be stronger. Any futher thoughts on this?

Buzz · #2 (**permalink**) 09-11-2006, 06:26 AM

Strength is not the issue with the fiberglass "tub" interior liner - it's more a question of authenticity to the original construction methods. The originals used a "birdgage" style subframe assembly to which the inner and exterior panels were attached. It's another one of the nice details on the ERA but to me not so critical a deciding factor as both cars still have glass bodies. Unique uses a one piece body with a solidly built, integrated fiberglass tub and steel cowl hoop forming the cockpit. It is plenty strong and if anything, contributes to additional overall rigidity and stiffness - probably along with a bit of extra weight too. There is no cowl shake on my 18 year old Unique, even after years of abuse on the bumpy, twisty, potholed roads of St. Lucia.

Archrms · #3 (**permalink**) 09-11-2006, 09:45 AM

Buzz,

Thanks for the clarification. One other difference I noted between the cars was that the gas tank of the Unique sits partially in the trunk, while the ERA trunk is flat. Was there a specific reason for doing this? What are the pros and cons of each configuration?

strictlypersonl · #4 (**permalink**) 09-11-2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archrms

Buzz,

Thanks for the clarification. One other difference I noted between the cars was that the gas tank of the Unique sits partially in the trunk, while the ERA trunk is flat. Was there a specific reason for doing this? What are the pros and cons of each configuration?

ERA puts the fuel tank above the rear suspension like the original 289. That allows us to put a real spare tire well at the bottom rear of the trunk.