Super Performance VS Backdraft

[Bob In Ct]

If I had it to do all over again I could easily buy a BDR. My original choice was an ERA, but the extra $15,000, the used FE BB, the typical short gears and the 18 month wait for a car (may be less now) convinced me to get the SPF. 10 years later it's still running and driving well.

In 1999 there was an SPF dealer in my area (Snakepit on LI) but no BDR dealer. Snakepit had lots of rollers ready to go, and engines from 302s to Windsors to 460s. The test drive was like drugs. Life is short, why wait 18 months? The ERA does come with the extra large trunk, which is where many ERA owners store their egos.

Bob

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Bob In Ct

[b]... which is where many ERA owners store their egos.

Bob

Excellent.

[Rickd]

Keith Craft has been offering some really good Superformance turnkey deals with a Tremec TKO and your choice of motor. Don't know whre Bob came up with 18 months for an ERA - mine was done in less than 12 and it was a turnkey (2 years ago), and I know a lot of people got theirs in less time. This is prime time of year for buying used cobras - and there are some nice looking cars on cobracountry.

[SKINNEDR]

Originally Posted by CBattaglia

What are those noticeable differences between both BDR and SP ?
To warrant the extra $10,000 for a SUPERFORMANCE.

Dex.

When I was doing my research, I found the BDRs commonly had suspension/handling problems. This was 2 years ago, so the issues may have been addressed. Look at the basic shape of the 2 cars, they are quite different.[/quote]

Thanks Guy..
I have had my BDR for about 2 1/2 years and I have not suspension problems Lets assume that I did have a problem, would that warrant paying $10,000?

I have driven both, and I have to tell you I would choose a BDR anytime over a SPF.. Don't get me wrong, SPF is good stuff, but I would not pay the extra $10K for that....(Caroll Shelby Fee should be removed..)

[Rickd]

Way2 fast. I see you're located in Melbourne, Florida. You should take a run over to the reptile roundup car show on Saturday. There will probably be 60 or more cars there. Will certainly be BDR (they are a sponsor) and Superformance, a bunch of Factory Fives, probably some Everett Morrisons, Hurricane, and I believe a couple of ERA's. Check out the Deep South Cobra Club for details. There is a track event tomorrow at Sebring, then a dinner tomorrow night in Lakeland. The car show is Saturday (I am returning to Miami in the am for a football game). I'm in Miami so if you're down this way give a holler.

[Blas]

Drive as many different manufacturers cars as possible within your price range. Be prepared to spend 10-25% more than you planned on.
Get under the cars if possible and look at the overall design. If it looks cheap it probably is…
Look at the safety related items too like seatbelt mounting points/design, rollbar(s), front crumple zones, adjustable pedals, steering wheel projection, etc.
Note the general feel of the car for your size and build. Are you tall or short, thin or heavy-set. Some fit better than others…
Look at fit and finish, and not just on new cars, find a few 3 to 5 year old examples of each manufacturers car that you are considering purchasing…remember, some people take better car of their car than others too.
Inquire about problems incurred with those older cars, are parts available locally,
Consider where you will have it serviced too…Dealer any where close to home?
But once you have one in your garage, stop comparing them and enjoy what you purchased…
There will ALWAYS be someone who’s car is better than yours…sometimes just because it theirs…

[Roz]

All I Know is that I love my Backdraft

[RedBarchetta]

Buy the most car that you can afford. And be happy with it. I'm a strong believer in that you get what you pay for in life. That covers the spectrum from nice cars to cheeseburgers.

-Dean

[Blas]

Even the "In&Out" cheeseburgers?

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by Blas

Even the "In&Out" cheeseburgers?

In&Out Burger= So Cal sliders. A lot of people love them, but there are local alternatives that I'd rather eat (and they are more expensive). Credit the In&Out people with great marketing skills.

[RedBarchetta]

FWIW, a very attractively priced early build SPF (red) now posted here on CC. LOADS ($,$$$) of nice add-ons plus spare set of wheels/tires, front glass, etc. SB100 compliant, too (if for CA buyer). Just goes to show that you can buy a lot of car for good value if you look hard enough and are patient to seek the right one. Or are budget limited and are willing to compromise. Again, just using this SPF as an example (you could find a similarly equipped BDR if you dig deep enough or can wait until one comes around).

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

In&Out Burger= So Cal sliders. A lot of people love them, but there are local alternatives that I'd rather eat (and they are more expensive). Credit the In&Out people with great marketing skills.

Totally off topic...or maybe on topic.

Anyone ever try Jesse James' place called Cisco Burger in Long Beach?

http://www.ciscoburger.com/

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by Blas

But once you have one in your garage, stop comparing them and enjoy what you purchased…

Frame that and nail it to the wall.

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

In&Out... A lot of people love them, but there are local alternatives that I'd rather eat (and they are more expensive). Credit the In&Out people with great marketing skills.

I think they install the line of cars at the drive-through window when they build the places. I can't figure it out; the burgers are just so-so at best.

The absolute best burger place in the universe was here in Sacramento, and closed down unexpectedly after something like 40 years. We never even got the chance to say g'bye...

[CBattaglia]

Originally Posted by SKINNEDR

When I was doing my research, I found the BDRs commonly had suspension/handling problems. This was 2 years ago, so the issues may have been addressed. Look at the basic shape of the 2 cars, they are quite different.

Thanks Guy..
I have had my BDR for about 2 1/2 years and I have not suspension problems Lets assume that I did have a problem, would that warrant paying $10,000?

Uh, YES

Just pointing out what I found when shopping around and test driving different cobras. BDR is a fine car for the money. So is the Superformance.

There is an ass for every seat...

[WarrenG]

I thought that one of the differences between SPF and BDR was that SPF makes everything in-house and BDR uses vendor sourced parts, like BMW suspension parts among others. Not that there is anything wrong with BMW suspensions, just that making it in-house is quite often more expensive than out-sourcing (like Tech Support in India).

[Way2Fast]

Originally Posted by Rickd

Way2 fast. I see you're located in Melbourne, Florida. You should take a run over to the reptile roundup car show on Saturday. There will probably be 60 or more cars there. Will certainly be BDR (they are a sponsor) and Superformance, a bunch of Factory Fives, probably some Everett Morrisons, Hurricane, and I believe a couple of ERA's. Check out the Deep South Cobra Club for details. There is a track event tomorrow at Sebring, then a dinner tomorrow night in Lakeland. The car show is Saturday (I am returning to Miami in the am for a football game). I'm in Miami so if you're down this way give a holler.

I just found out about the car show. I'll be there on Saturday. I wish I could make the pizza party sponsored by BDR at the hotel on Friday night, but I can't get away before Saturday AM. It should be a good experience since I have never even sat in a Cobra. I had been a Vette guy, but I always wanted a Cobra ever since a 289 blew off my friends '64 Stingray like it was standing still...way back in the mid 60's !!

I have an aunt in Miami Springs, but I don't get down that way too often.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by SKINNEDR

You do seem to get a lot for the $$$ with Backdraft(plus 2in longer wheelbase if that is important to you). Of course, you do get more add-ons with Superformance. I don't think you could go wrong with either one.


What are those noticeable differences between both BDR and SP ?
To warrant the extra $10,000 for a SUPERFORMANCE.

Dex.

For one thing the difference is NOT $10,000!!! Current SPF list for a MK III is $41,900. Add in the top, side curtains, etc. to a BDR and see what the actual difference is.

Or maybe the structural differences in the "roll bar"?

Seat construction differences, steel frame vs. plastic?

Inner wheel liners?

Battery tray?

Compare and then decide.

And the best car is????? The one YOU like and actually buy to enjoy!

[TButtrick]

No offense to any of my SPF or BDR friends but I'd put myself in line for one of these carbon cars before either.

[kayakjack]

It is nice that almost everyone here likes and is a proponent of the brand they own. Anyone selling junk is likely gone from the market by now.

I love my Superformance. That's what I own, and I love it. Any of these cars will put a permanent smile on your face.

By the way, I was just checking out Olthoff's web site. Looks like they have a sale on new cars. Looks like unbeatable deals to me. Cars with MSRP of $45,000 for $38,000. Good time to buy. Buy one of these and see if you can wipe your grin off...

http://www.olthoffracing.com/

Jack