Backdraft VS. Superformance???

[Whiplash]

I was in the same boat just this last year. I was shopping out all the parameters. I chose the BDR for size and footbox, plus it came with a great dealer that cared about their product (not saying the spf dealers don't). This question is a touchy one as it pitts two "replica" cobras against each other that are very similar in product.

From my research SPF had been around a long time and had worked the kinks out, BDR is the new kid on the block and was better and a little cheaper-but was still working stuff out. My car is awesome-but not without some small issues. Don't expect it to be a Z06, it's not. It's going to be a labor of love, mine already is. I'm changing stuff daily. Jay at Vintage has been great as far as advice and support, it's been invaluable, and it's why I chose a BDR. I'm going to get in trouble saying this but Jay is the Kirkham of the BDR.

So here's the skinny. Get in both. Drive both. Make sure it is what you want it do be/do. Make sure the engines/drivetrains are the same. If you need a ride in mine-feel free to drop me a line, I'll make sure you crap your pants. It's an unrivaled experience.

-Sean

[Excaliber]

Race Cobra, 'defined', Dick Smiths 198 car.



THIS is the type of Cobra that sets the 'standard' for a 427 Cobra. The farther you move away from the 'standard' the more freakish the car becomes. I'm just recognizing a certain 'standard' from which ALL of us vary to some degree in our personal choice of replicas, some more than others. Where do YOU draw the line?

I draw the line at wings, air dams and other aero style treatments, which dramatically alter the 'look and feel' of a replica Cobra. Now equipe said car with modern power plants, modern suspension, modern wheels, well, the list goes on and on, and somewhere along the line it aint a Cobra anymore. It's a 'spec racer' of some kind and should be run in a separate class. The very purpose of 'spec racing' is to control costs and create a competitive field. Comparing what is essentially a spec racer (BDR, FFR, JBL, others) to an original 427 Cobra just doesn't feel right.

[nielspg]

Originally Posted by JC Performance

Looking at a new Backdraft cobra.How does it compare to a Superformance?Which is considered better so to speak?

Hello everybody. I am a newcomer to the world of Cobras and to this forum. Sadly I am not myself owner of a Cobra, but a superperformance with a 575hp Rousch engine is on its way here to Denmark to one of my friends. I have recomended him to buy this car because it is licenced by Caroll Shelby and I belive it must be wort something for the value of the car. Is this wright or what ??
Greatings Niels

[emberglo66]

I will say it again.... put the two cars side by side and compare!! then put them on a rack and compare!!! then drive both!!!! then check the savings, checking and brokerage account and see what kind of damage you want to do!!

What engines have you considered? Sh*t do you want to spent $3500 or $26K.. have you even looked and the Kirkham? ..... that should keep the pot stirred!!!

compare the cars and decide what you want to spend. that's it ...

What do I know... I spent tooo much just for my value covers!! according to some!!

[rdorman]

.... now did I say this will stir the pot or did I! This is always like asking whose wife is more beautiful

JCperformance, come to London Ohio next month and you can test them out, both companies will be there and dozens of examples of each. Plus, you get this group together and they quickly forget all about who made what because they are having such a great time together! That or the large quantities of margarita's. Bring one of those bad a$$ speed boats from your website as well... we will find some water

[Tony Aprile]

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

So for those of you who ask if people if they have ever driven a SPF, have any of you ever driven a BDR?

I asked that question, and NO I have not driven a BDR. and why would I have made a comparison to a vehicle I have not driven...but I guess some of you can.


Tony

[lovehamr]

This thread encapsulates all the reasons that I'll be at London this year. LOL

Steve

[rdorman]

Originally Posted by lovehamr

This thread encapsulates all the reasons that I'll be at London this year. LOL

Steve

Yeah he!! by the end of Thursday night we don't even care who we part next to By the end of Friday, we don't even bother wiping the cars down any more

[Goober]

OK, I have driven both and did a very detailed evaluation of each - BD and SPF. Having owed a Cobra Replica years ago (Ram), I had plenty of experience with a lot of different manufactures. Most of them based in the UK
I have driven DAX, Gardner Douglas, RAM, Hawk, Southern Roadcraft and even the less expensive Pilgrim.
I went to Dallas for a weekend a few years ago and spent a lot of time driving the Backdraft. At that time, I felt the build quality was not as precise as the SPF and I didn't like the idea of using a used BMW rear end. I wasn't afraid of breaking it, I just thought why put a used rearend in a new component car? That particular car hooked up very well and to this day, it was still better than my SPF with the ford 8.8. There was some paint issues, panels not fitting well and some trim issues. I also didn't like the butt ugly steering wheel, but knew I could change it out. This was before they offered the new Autometer gauges and the other ones looked like they belonged in a boat. Changing the rearend ratio was another issue. BMW parts are expensive!
Anyway, I finally bought a SPF and am very happy with it.
This being said, some friends of mine have the newer BackDrafts and I must admit the quality issues are being corrected all the time. As someone pointed out, they are having greatluck on the track.
They are not the same cars and they don't even drive the same.
It's all about money, useage and what you really want. Some guys love ERA, Factory Fives ect. That's what makes the Cobra scene great.
Either way you go, big HP in a lightweight car is great fun.
By the way, by the time I optioned out the Backdraft with heater, smiths gauges and a bunch of other stuff, the SPF dealer demo cost the same.
I still have the quote PDF file

Hope this helps

Mark

[JC Performance]

Thanks guys for the imput and comedy too I want to look at a new Backdraft