I'm less interested in the no-hood, no-seats, no-trunk liner times.

Regardless of that, these times are shocking. 3550 lbs running a 12.3@118?

3550 lbs running a 118?

I can't make myself believe this, no matter how hard I try.

I guess the 2800 lb. GT-40 is going to run 130.

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Daniel
97 Supra TT

Performance = Acceleration, Top speed, Lateral G's, Balance, Feel, steering quickness, Turn in, braking, stiffness, etc... The list goes on, and on..

When some of you quote 1/4 mile times, and then say/imply this car has the performance of a Viper for 1/2 the price, you make me laugh. And make yourself look like an idiot.

Now if it can pull the same times on a long road course, you have a valid argument. But if I remember, the ACR crushed the all out race Cobra R on the road course. And the new Cobra will not even come close to the previous Cobra R performance, accept in acceleration. Of course the Cobra R sold for mega-bucks.

I agree. For $35,000, it is a fast car. But I bet it couldn't out perform a base C5 vette on a road course. And base C5 is only a few more bucks.

Overall performance is where it's at! That's what a sportscar is all about.

So, if you want to make me happy, WHICH I'M SURE YOU DON'T, please say things like - The 2003 Cobra Accelerates up to 60 MPH as well as or has a 1/4 mile time as good as....

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PROUD VCA MEMBER

Definitely be nice to see some dyno numbers on this thing since 1/4 mile times are heavily driver and track condition dependent. With all the conjecture, it would be nice to put those questions to bed with a quick run to the dyno. In any case, it sure sounds strong. I am assuming those tires are slicks? I'll be looking for a new daily driver in the fall and being an old Ford guy.....

As far as affecting Viper pricing though, I don't think so. Anyone who bought a Viper strictly for it's straight-line performance would be nuts since it is easier and cheaper to go faster on almost any other platform. Vettes have been chomping at the vipers heels for years now, and I don't see that affecting the pricing and the Vette is a much closer competitor as far as comparing apples to apples. Vipers are all about power, road handling, unique styling and exclusivity and the mustang is still missing the last three. Like the Z06 gets lost in the C5 crowd, the new Cobra looks like every other mustang out there except for a few styling clues. If I wanted a sleeper, $35K could easily buy me a mustang and 9-10 second timeslips. Wouldn't come with a warranty though .

--- Ken

Enjoy!

I think were on the same page.

Sean

quote:

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Originally posted by TacDoc:
Ok, somebody tell me how to post this slip jpg.

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HP ratings- no one will truly know until an '03 is dynoed. I am quite anxious to see the results myself. As many of you may know, the '03 was originally code named "terminator" and was producing upwards of 430+ HP. Rumours have it the bean counters at Ford were a little on uneasy about those numbers and had SVT detune the car a bit. Most people believe SVT has finally caught on to GM (who is famous for underating hp ala LS1) and the rating of 390hp that is being advertised is in fact what the vehicle is putting to wheels, not what it's producing at the flywheel. Of course, this all just speculation. Also, many owners stated that the exhaust on the 03 is VERY restrictive.

Performance- I don't believe SVT had the Viper in mind as a competitor when they were producing the '03 Cobra. Ford finally listened to it's customer base who was tired of getting their rear-ends handed to them by stock LS1's and gave us what we wanted - MORE HP & TORQUE. So even with the IRON block (as opposed to the ALUMINUM block that all previous 4.6's came with)handling is still on par with an fbody.

quote:

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Sorry OneRare, I was not intending to say one was better than the other, especially as a Viper owner. I am saying that Ford has demonstrated it can produce on its claims, and they have underated the SVT. Maybe my hardtop is a ringer, I have yet to break in the convertable and see if it is close. But unlike my 1998 Corvette which is now history, and my Viper GTS, my Cobra has a back seat, and with 2 kids that means utility. I like all sports cars. I will always have a Viper, and now probably Cobra's. At least until some savvy marque invents the better mouse trap. My wife has always felt the Vipers to be very limited in utility, I have heard no such comment with the Cobras. That makes my life easier.

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Tacdoc,

No problem. I think the 2003 Cobra is an awesome car, with incredible potential. A lotta-bang-for-buck, with a warrantee! But to be honest, I don't think many people are buying Mustang Cobra's for utility purposes. I realize it has come in handy for yourself (Small kids), but I bet many never even use that back seat. Whatever suits your needs is all the matters though, right? For me, my 1989 Buick Park Avenue takes care of winter/rainy weather and hauling stuff. 103,000 miles and still going strong. The only thing this car has needed since new: (alternator, battery, 2 CV joints, 1 rear wheel bearing, tires, muffler, and brakes). No bad, ehhh... This is the only automatic I have ever owned (owned about 7 cars), so it is boring to drive - but it just won't die. That 3.8L GM motor is bullet proof. All it needs is a bumper stick that says, "My other car is a VIPER".

Later

BTW: The reason i did not buy a corvette or a used viper was becuase i needed the back seats of the cobra.. I like having people with me when i go out and cruise..
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2003 Black/Black Mustang Cobra Coupe (Build Date: June 3rd!!)
2002 Ford Thunderbird Tbird Blue with blue and black interior. Premium with hardtop, loaded.
2001 Ford F-150 Supercrew Lariat
1997 GMC Jimmy (sold)
2000 Bonneville SSEi (sold)

Proud Member of (A)merican (M)uscle (A)gainst (R)icers

quote:

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Originally posted by TacDoc:

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quote:

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Originally posted by TacDoc:
I dont think I held the gears long enough on the other pass, I only hit 115.

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You're a bad man, you made me want a Mustang. hahaha Called the local dealership to see when we get them in.

there is no way the new cobras will be pulling 118+ MPH trap speeds.....

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