First post on the CC forum!! Now talk me into buying a cobra!!

[TimG427]

From the discussion, it sounds as if you’re looking at a newer Corvette or a Cobra. They are two different animals and should satisfy different needs.
Do you have a spouse that will be traveling with you? I have a number of older Corvettes and one Cobra. The Cobra is absolutely amazing to look at and drive, it makes my 427 Corvette seem civil in comparison (and it’s a handful of a Corvette). The Cobra is just a beast to be pulled out and run up and down the highway with a smile on your face.
I’d certainly go with a Cobra over a newer Corvette if it were my choice, the primitive cars are a blast and a change from my everyday driver car that gets hundreds of miles per week. Choose wisely, though. There are lots of good used Cobras for sale.

[Backdraft73]

That is one thing I never do is rush into buying a car. As henrik said, I too would probably spend a 1000 hours of research before I pulled the trigger. For me my options are limited because of my size that is why I am leaning towards the BDR, I have yet to drive one buy I have been extremely pleased with the quality of the car (visually speaking) and I have been on their site and read the pros and cons of the other forum members. It does not appear to be the top of the line but everything that I would want in a car. I really appreciate all of you guys chiming in it really helps because it is a big decision. Keep it coming

[mln385]

Well as many have stated before me, the cobra is all raw HP and TQ. Exhilerating to start and hear and puts a smile on your face on the worst days.
However they are extremely uncomfortable on long drives worse if caught in a rain storm.

Now my C5 vette convertable has all the amenities, cruise,ac,abs,traction control ,active handling and magnetic ride control.
100% different animal to drive and more all around sutible for al occasions than the cobra.

I am fortunate to have both but if one had to go it would be a tuff decission,bottom line would be practicality I guess for myself at the time.
The Vette is easily a daily driver where the cobra is not,base your determination and needs as appropriate for yourself.

[BBQCYCLEWERKES]

I own a 06 BMW M3 convt and my Backdraft Cobra. I agree with everyone else. My M3 is my driver and I love it. Handles GREAT and comfortable to drive. My Cobra though is my mistress. I love to climb in the saddle and go for a hard ride. It really puts a smile on your face and the attention you get from the ladies is unreal. Chose wisely my young Jeti as it is a serious decision. LOVE or LUST, you must decide.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by mln385

Well as many have stated before me, the cobra is all raw HP and TQ. Exhilerating to start and hear and puts a smile on your face on the worst days.
However they are extremely uncomfortable on long drives worse if caught in a rain storm.

Now my C5 vette convertable has all the amenities, cruise,ac,abs,traction control ,active handling and magnetic ride control.
100% different animal to drive and more all around sutible for al occasions than the cobra.

I am fortunate to have both but if one had to go it would be a tuff decission,bottom line would be practicality I guess for myself at the time.
The Vette is easily a daily driver where the cobra is not,base your determination and needs as appropriate for yourself.

I would disagree with the extremely uncomfortable on long drives part. We put close to 3000 miles on our Cobra last summer during our vacation and it was very comfortable. In fact I'm more comfortable in the Cobra than I am in my wifes Jeep SRT/8. The seats in that thing kill my back.

[mln385]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

I would disagree with the extremely uncomfortable on long drives part. We put close to 3000 miles on our Cobra last summer during our vacation and it was very comfortable. In fact I'm more comfortable in the Cobra than I am in my wifes Jeep SRT/8. The seats in that thing kill my back.

The seats in an SPF may differ from a BDR, the seats and foot box in my BDR wear on me on long drives. However there inlies the caveat....all cobra replicas are not alike each has it's own good points and bad depending on your viewpoint.
I know there are somethings on an SPF I wish where on my BDR, but I like the longer wheel base on the BDR and the wider cockpit area as well.

[madmaxx]

The difference in leg room between a spf and bdr is negligible. My 6'5" brother and size 13 shoe has no problems drive the spf but in the bdr had to remove his shoes. I guess the spf may have a wider footbox.

Originally Posted by mln385

The seats in an SPF may differ from a BDR, the seats and foot box in my BDR wear on me on long drives. However there inlies the caveat....all cobra replicas are not alike each has it's own good points and bad depending on your viewpoint.
I know there are somethings on an SPF I wish where on my BDR, but I like the longer wheel base on the BDR and the wider cockpit area as well.

[STL Mark]

Originally Posted by Backdraft73

...I have yet to drive one ...

There it is.

You're only mission right now should be to find a way to drive one - any make, any model. Get to a Superformance dealership. Get to a local classic car dealer ship, or a club meet. Somehow you have to figure out how to get a test drive.

That's what did it for me. That first test drive at a Superformance dealership was all it took. I was on a road trip at the time, and took a 2 hour detour to get to Ross, Ohio. The sales guy was awesome, the car well you know. He took me out for a drive, then I asked if I could take the wheel for a bit. I spent 5 hours at the dealership, and I almost bought a used car in inventory on the spot. Then, the techs brought in a brand new car just off it's first test run and I was weak in the knees.

I was bit, and there was no question about it. I told the salesman thanks and that I would be back. I'll bet they hear that one one hundred times a day. I drove home 6 hours with a smile that just wouldn't quit. I did my homework here, saved my pennies and ordered my new car 1 year later. You know the sales person remembered me. He's a good guy. There a lot of stellar folks in this hobby, and most people remember me.

That single test drive changed my life. This car changed my life. The friends I have made, the fun I've had - a Cobra really is more that just a car, it's a life changer.

So - Get a test drive.

[CoolCarl]

I won't argue that you should drive one first. I didn't though. I did go for a ride in one as a passenger though. A ride was all it took. For others, perhaps it would be best to drive one. I didn't need the drive in order to get bitten.

While on that first test ride I remember thinking to myself:

"Holy crap this thing pulls like a MFer"

"Holy crap, where is the 'oh shoot' handle"

"Hmm, why are my legs hot? Oh, that must be heat from the engine"

After the test ride I made an offer of every penny I had (excluding what it would cost me to trailer the thing back home).

[rustyBob]

One of two things will happen........
you will love it and think to yourself Why Didnt I Do This Sooner....
or youll go buy a new Yugo........

[Paul F]

Backdraft,

I think your post says it all. Your second thoughts are worth listening to. A Cobra purchase is certainly one of the top irrational purchases a man can make. If there is doubt, if comforts and inconvenience come into play in the slightest; if having your car break down and need repair, if having no no spare tire or the good likelyhood the car will leave you stranded, are concerns, then the Corvette is the better choice.

Any person who is nuts enough to buy a Cobra should have no doubts; should be salivating; should be giddy with anticipation. Because all the downside of owning a Cobra will be a disappointment if you don't have the fever that causes one to buy one of these ridiculous cars.

A reference: http://clubcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82015

[TButtrick]

It would be EXTREMELY entertaining for all of us here if you would post the same question on a Corvette forum. I'll grab the popcorn.

Corvette Forum

[Marvin]

Yes please post on the Vette forum.

[Luce]

And post a link to the discussion here!!

I just dumped my '04 SL 600 for a Lone Star I'm building. I wanted a clutch pedal. I rarely had my top up, and it depreciated 50% every 3 years, and at 80K miles, cost about $3.00/ mile in repairs. (thank god I had a warranty) Cobras usually sell for about 80% what they cost to build, and stay there if maintained.

I would also suggest don't get a Cobra unless you're able and willing to do all maintenance and repairs yourself or have deep pockets and a mechanic you want to make wealthy.

[Backdraft73]

I have been working on cars since I was 15, built several engines, clutches, brakes etc. I truly enjoy working on cars so the maintenance is not an issue. Plus I have James with BDR 2 miles from my house.

For me the car has to have a degree of comfort, I drove a viper a couple years back and I could not wait to get out of it after 10 minutes. I know the cobra won't drive like a caddy but it has to be tolorable for a 2 hour drive. I found that the BDR has a heated seat option and a real heater so that will help on the chilly nights.

I drive a Tundra during the week so this will definitely be the weekend car and occasional drive to work, but traffic is getting so bad in the mornings I don't think I want to sit and pump the clutch all morning so those days would be few a far between. I guess owning a cobra is very similar to owning a harley, you are exposed to the elements and you have to keep an eye on the weather but there is nothing more fun to drive.

As far as asking this question on the corvette forum you might be surprised guys there are very appreciative of other muscle cars. I don't see cobra owners and vette owners being all that different. I have lived on the CF for 7 years now and you always have your usual suspect, aka jackasses, but most are very cool and helpful. I am meeting with James on Saturday to learn a little more about the cars. Thank you all for the great insite!

[Voyager]

+ 1 to what STL Mark & Hal Copple said.

I made the plunge last summer. Absolutely love it and would not trade it for anything. However, and this is a big however, I only take it out under the right circumstances for one purpose.

Also think it’s not a hp thing. I’ve ridden in friend’s 997s, DB9s, etc. Violently fast - yes, but not a visceral attack on the senses like a Cobra.

And oh yeah, stupid dangerous. First time (and last time) I floored it, I was off the road backwards in 2 seconds (thankfully I was "experimenting" in a deserted parking lot).

Bob

[jhv48]

And finally, when driving the Cobra, I have gotten the "thumbs up" from Harley riders, ricers, and homeless guys. Mom's in minivans have complimented the car, tons of people have pulled alongside to take cell phone pictures. Children all love the car and the noise it makes. One old lady even plugged her ears with one hand and gave me the "finger" with her other hand.

Drive a Vette, and all you'll get is the "finger".

[azfordman]

Not to be negative, but if you could not stand a viper, why would you even consider a cobra??? Anyone out there who has driven both that would be able to compare these two cars? I could not imagine a cobra being more comfortable and refined than a viper.... From what I understand the heated seats do help with the cold, but even with the top on my car the heater is worthless if I am moving more than 10 m.p.h. The side curtains would probably help, but I have not tried them and have no desire to. Like Paul F said, "Any person who is nuts enough to buy a Cobra should have no doubts; should be salivating; should be giddy with anticipation." I wanted a cobra my entire life, spent several years window shopping, and the last year seriously looking. I had never even sat in a cobra, no less driven one, but I was committed to owning one "regardless" of the fact that I would most likely not fit into one, considering my size. I KNEW I would make it work somehow, no matter what I had to do!!! I would give up my house, friends, family and take a lifetime vow of celibacy before I ever considered not owning a cobra.....

[Clayboy]

"I would give up my house, friends, family and take a lifetime vow of celibacy before I ever considered not owning a cobra....."

Wow! That sounds a bit drastic. I really love my cobra and have no plans of getting rid of it anytime soon, but with that being said... I'm not sure I would give up my house, friends, family or even consider a vow of celibacy. The cobra is just the cherry on top of all the other great things that are in my life. As Craig Ferguson says, " It's a great day in America!"
Bob

[TButtrick]

Originally Posted by jhv48

And finally, when driving the Cobra, I have gotten the "thumbs up" from Harley riders, ricers, and homeless guys. Mom's in minivans have complimented the car, tons of people have pulled alongside to take cell phone pictures. Children all love the car and the noise it makes. One old lady even plugged her ears with one hand and gave me the "finger" with her other hand.

Drive a Vette, and all you'll get is the "finger".

That's some funny stuff right there. Amen.

Originally Posted by Clayboy

"I would give up my house, friends, family and take a lifetime vow of celibacy before I ever considered not owning a cobra....."

Wow! That sounds a bit drastic. I really love my cobra and have no plans of getting rid of it anytime soon, but with that being said... I'm not sure I would give up my house, friends, family or even consider a vow of celibacy. The cobra is just the cherry on top of all the other great things that are in my life. As Craig Ferguson says, " It's a great day in America!"
Bob

By the looks of it, I don't think he's pulling any punches. 3,000 miles with no seat? God bless ya man!