Superformance MKIII vs Shelby CSX.....2016

[E5USMC]

I'm new here and in no way want to start a flame war about either car but any info will be helpful and appreciated.

I did a diligent search and while there was some threads dealing with this topic nothing was really recent not sure what's changed in the last few years. I'm to the point of ordering a SPF and having a Southern Automotive 427 installed by Pathfinder Motorsports in FL or biting the bullet ( and wallet) and going with a new CSX 6000 roller with same motor

From what I've read the main differences between the CSX and SPF are

1. CSX has round tube chassis and SPF has a square tube...both 4"
2. Radiator angle
3. Manual breaks vs power brakes
4. Rear end
5. CSX has more structure support under hood area
6. CSX has brake scoops on all 4 tires

Are there any other major/minor differences between the 2 cars? Is the real difference in price (40k) the extra quality or manufacturing differences or is it the Shelby heritage and the cars ability to appreciate in value? It seems they are both GREAT cars!!! I know we probably shouldn't buy a car like this and expect it to appreciate or be an investment but from what I've read and the prices I've seen the CSX4000/6000 cars have continually increased in value so that's an appealing quality. I'm just wondering if it's 40k spent wisely. I'm no overly rich man so just wanting to spend my money wisely.

Thank you for any info and guidance
Kenny

[twobjshelbys]

Oh no, not again.

[Mark IV]

There are numerous other differences from brake calipers to gauges. As the fiberglass CSX car is built by Hi Tech alongside the SPFs the finish quality is comparable.

The SPF has equipment as standard (vents for example) that are optional on the CSX thus increasing the price spread. The SPF has a fuel gauge for example where that is optional on the Shelby. You must comparably equip both chassis' to have the true price differential.

If owning a "Shelby' and having a "CSX" number has value to you, consider the CSX car. Only you can make that determination.

If you need info and pricing on the SPF we would be glad o supply.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by E5USMC

I'm new here and in no way want to start a flame war about either car but any info will be helpful and appreciated.

I did a diligent search and while there was some threads dealing with this topic nothing was really recent not sure what's changed in the last few years. I'm to the point of ordering a SPF and having a Southern Automotive 427 installed by Pathfinder Motorsports in FL or biting the bullet ( and wallet) and going with a new CSX 6000 roller with same motor

From what I've read the main differences between the CSX and SPF are

1. CSX has round tube chassis and SPF has a square tube...both 4"
2. Radiator angle
3. Manual breaks vs power brakes
4. Rear end
5. CSX has more structure support under hood area
6. CSX has brake scoops on all 4 tires

Are there any other major/minor differences between the 2 cars? Is the real difference in price (40k) the extra quality or manufacturing differences or is it the Shelby heritage and the cars ability to appreciate in value? It seems they are both GREAT cars!!! I know we probably shouldn't buy a car like this and expect it to appreciate or be an investment but from what I've read and the prices I've seen the CSX4000/6000 cars have continually increased in value so that's an appealing quality. I'm just wondering if it's 40k spent wisely. I'm no overly rich man so just wanting to spend my money wisely.

Thank you for any info and guidance
Kenny

Or you could go with a Kirkham and get an aluminum body for about the same price as a CSX fiberglass one.

[peterpjb]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Or you could go with a Kirkham and get an aluminum body for about the same price as a CSX fiberglass one.

that would be also my recommendation,
for me one of the most important quality features is the body, the first upgrade for me would be an aluminium body, i think its more important than a csx -vin, superfomance has neither the body nor the vin

[RodKnock]

One item that would be very important to me is/are the exterior body lines. The CSX more closely resembles the original 1960's Cobras. To me, the body shape is very important.

In terms of your performance dollar, the Superformance is a better value. However, if the Shelby name and future appreciation appeal to you, then you'll see the $40,000 of value, assuming that's the correct variance.

But any appreciation will take time. If your time horizon is short(er), buy and sell quickly, then the potential for appreciation won't matter as much. If you're thinking of 5-10 years, then yes, I see the CSX appreciation being a larger factor in the decision-making process.

But you can also take that "extra" $40,000 and buy Johnson & Johnson stock. It has a dividend yield of about 3% a year PLUS about 88% appreciation in last 10 years. And it's liquid.

[Dimis]

Dear Kenny,
Welcome to the forum. Good luck in your hunt for a cobra. That for most is all part of the fun.

Both cars will serve you well, if the "shelby" name is important then get the CSX.
Else if you can't tell the difference from 10ft away (or don't care about the difference) get the SPF.
If you were so inclined other manufactures like Kirkham and ERA do premium kits/cars too.

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I see the CSX appreciation being a larger factor in the decision-making process.....

But you can also take that "extra" $40,000 and buy Johnson & Johnson stock. It has a dividend yield of about 3% a year PLUS about 88% appreciation in last 10 years. And it's liquid.

RK shame on you. You know better than most that past performance doesn't guarantee future returns.
Plus if we were to do the sums SPF have seemingly seen an inflation in price % wise on par with CSX.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Dimis

RK shame on you. You know better than most that past performance doesn't guarantee future returns.
Plus if we were to do the sums SPF have seemingly seen an inflation in price % wise on par with CSX.

I never said anything about guarantees. But, go back to 1996, or 1986 or 1976, and you'll see similar returns. 40 years is a pretty good run don't you think.

As for comparative appreciation rates between Cobra replica brands, do you have any statistical analysis of the various brands to prove your hypothesis?

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

As for comparative appreciation rates between Cobra replica brands, do you have any statistical analysis of the various brands to prove your hypothesis?

Just my experience watching the market.
Of course there are outlier examples in each case.

[NewYorkGuy]

OP,
They are all replicas/Kit cars. Get the brand that fits your budget.
Just think of buying an airplane ticket. Everyone is going to the same destination:
First class- shelby
Business class- Kirkham
Coach- spf, era, backdraft,
Economy discount- FFR

[66gtk]

The body shape/proportions in areas are quite different as well between glass SPF and glass CSX. These cars are more different than similar IMHO. Certainly just as different as an SPF is to say an ERA.

[ASO544]

Anyone got any pics of a comparison showing the areas of the body differences?

I always though there was an appearance difference between the CSX and SPF cars ......just odd that they are built by same company ( somewhat) and are that different. I would think SPF would alter their body to be the same as the CSX to make it both more original and possible appealing......plus would make manufacturing easier I'd think if the 2 shared the same molding for the body. Then again I'm no cobra or manufacturing expert so I'm probably missing out on the real reason. No doubt, to me, the CSX car has a more appealing body/stance.

ASO544

Originally Posted by 66gtk

The body shape/proportions in areas are quite different as well between glass SPF and glass CSX. These cars are more different than similar IMHO. Certainly just as different as an SPF is to say an ERA.

[Bernica]

Not sure if it's still true, but another difference I always notice is the angle of the rear roll bar support vs the CSX...

[ASO544]

I believe the SPF 427 SCs have the hood rivets where the CSXs do not. Did all of the real 427 SCs have these rivets on the hood? Not sure if it's an option on the CSX6000s or not.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by ASO544

I believe the SPF 427 SCs have the hood rivets where the CSXs do not.

That would be incorrect. My CSX 4000 series has hood and hood scoop rivets.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Bernica

That would be incorrect. My CSX 4000 series has hood and hood scoop rivets.

CSX4250 is an early CSX4000. However, the few CSX6000's that I've seen have had the hood rivets too. Option or standard? No idea.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

CSX4250 is an early CSX4000. However, the few CSX6000's that I've seen have had the hood rivets too. Option or standard? No idea.

Geez, where's Evan when I need him to back me up on rivets!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Geez, where's Evan when I need him to back me up on rivets!

Well, if you really want to talk to him, then his moniker is "Waxer." You can join the P-car forum and PM him over there all you want for your daily Evan dosage.

The early CSX4000's are more desirable CSX's and Shelby could have in theory stopped doing rivets along way, which could interest the OP. Or the OP may not care one bit. However, I know Shelby does hood rivets on their CSX6000's, so ASO544 is incorrect.

[Bernica]

Just go on the Shelby site and look up the 6000 series pics. Rivets.

[rodneym]

I can't recall ever seeing a 4000 with no rivets.