Quote:
Originally Posted by Voyager
Jack,
Assume you get used to the heavier feel of the Cobra, or is most of the “playing” now relegated to going basically in a straight line? Exchange the rally car turning experience for a raw, visceral straight line experience maybe?
Bob
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The "playing" is not relegated to straight line. Straight line is excellent, but these cars handle well too. They are great fun in the twisties. But it is different...
The wheelbase of the Superformance is the same as the Miata - 90 inches. It is short. The car wants to turn. But it makes you work for it much harder than the Miata. Cranking the wheel in the Cobra for a couple of hours is a workout. Since the steering is slower the wheel has to move more to get the same effect. The bigger tires add to the effort. The big V8 adds to the effort, but it is deceiving. This issue is not as great as you think. These cars only weigh a little more than the Miata. The two biggest differences you will notice are:
1. The power - Exit a corner in the Miata - just nail the accelerator. Do that in the Cobra and you are off the road. Again, it is just a new fun language.
2. The steering - Slower and harder. That is the nature of these cars. A few people add power steering. To each his own, but I think that degrades the character of the car. I think I could post a time a little faster in my Miata if the road is real twisty. It is easier to be precise. The power won't help here. But if the road is curvy, but with any pieces where you can use a motor - Cobra wins.
I think I have the best of both worlds. The Cobra is the ultimate sports car to me. It is my Supercar. Since the day I got it I have not looked at another fast car and wished I could trade for it. The Miata is like putting on my Nike running shoes. Quick, nimble. Only way I could make it better is by getting a Lotus Elise.
Jack