Backdraft VS. Superformance???

[mpanten]

To me a nice looking car does not have noticable depressions and chips in the fiberglass. It should be smooth with finished edges and the seams should line up reasonably well and be the same height. The gaps do not have to be perfect but should not be so obvious as to draw your attention. You will need some significant body work on a FF to achieve this. Again, to all the factory five owners I am not knocking your cars as there are many very nice ones out there.

[Cracker]

These "type" of threads always gets near everyone's panties in a knot. This is truly one of those topics that just needs to be answered by visiting a dealer - of which both of these brands have. Both are nice cars - personal preference in styling detail deviations and drivelines are key differences.

BTW, that fella was right ERA is in a different class - right between the bottom to mid market cars.

[Rickd]

JC. You're on Long Island I believe, so you should be able to visit a Superformance Dealer, and a BDR dealer not too far away, and If I were you, I'd include a visit to New Britain, Ct., to the ERA factory. Peter at ERA is a great guy and really helpful. That would give you an overview of 3 very good prospects. I have friends with Superformance, Backdraft, and ERA and all are fun cars to drive, with each having it's own characteristics. Learn as much as you can about each one, and make an informed decision, based on what YOU want to do with the car. The research and learning about the cars is definitely part of the fun. Enjoy DRIVING whatever you decide on. Rick D

[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?

[Cashburn]

Best thing to do is come in and take a look and go for a spin. We've got customers that are always around and happy to scare the pants off you in the ejector seat.

Roz sent a guy back to the UK this week with a perma-grin and a Vintage Motorsports T-Shirt on his back.

And since you build engines I'd be happy to meet you, always looking for engine builders!!!

[Durt]

Well - I guess my question will remain wanting. How is the Backdraft vastly superior in handling? Lap times? Documented race results?
All I can say is this: I run lots of club events, and amomg all of the ERA's, Kirkham's, Factory Five's and whatever else show up to these events, I have yet to see a particular brand spotted laps due to it's superiority.
Heck - maybe all the drivers of other marques are just slow - but in my experience, I have yet to see one replica manufacturer clean everyone else's clock on a road course.
Dick Smith could've lapped everyone on this board in a Ford Escort.
Spare me the brand chest beating.

[Cashburn]

I can round out the details if you need them:

[Durt]

Please do - I'm not sure what I'm looking at. It took me awhile to associate #24 "AC Cobra" to the Backdraft in the picture.

[millennium200]

If and when they pass a law outlawing people with more money than brains I believe the Cobra owners real or replica will be at the top of the arrest list and all locked up in the same cell block. So as usual let your pocketbook and conscience be your guide. With all of that said just look at a SPF and a Backdraft side by side and if you cant see the difference in fit finish and quality of materials used in a 28k car compared to a 41k car then their is nothing anyone here can say or do to convince you one way or another. Good luck in your quest.

[millennium200]

If and when they pass a law outlawing people with more money than brains I believe the Cobra owners real or replica will be at the top of the arrest list and all locked up in the same cell block. So as usual let your pocketbook and conscience be your guide. With all of that said just look at a SPF and a Backdraft side by side and if you cant see the difference in fit finish and quality of materials used in a 28k car compared to a 41k car then there is nothing anyone here can say or do to convince you one way or another. Good luck in your quest.

[Excaliber]

Are we to believe BDR car #24 pictured above is only a mere $28K?

Or that it has ANYTHING in common with an original 427 race Cobra?

Gimme a break...

[Durt]

I was also wondering if that was the "roller" that blows the competition in the weeds.

[Durt]

From the Backdraft website:

Chassis: 2x4 rectangular tubing box frame.
Rear suspension: wishbones with coil-overs and a swaybar.
Front suspension: wishbones, coil-overs & swaybar.

Cheaper than Superformance? I'm all ears. Superior performance? Keep talking.

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

Or that it has ANYTHING in common with an original 427 race Cobra?

Define a "race" Cobra... then you can define a "street" Cobra

Oh yeah it is a fiberglass body with a rectangular tube frame, just like your fakey ERA.

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by Durt

From the Backdraft website:

Chassis: 2x4 rectangular tubing box frame.
Rear suspension: wishbones with coil-overs and a swaybar.
Front suspension: wishbones, coil-overs & swaybar.

Cheaper than Superformance? I'm all ears. Superior performance? Keep talking.

Same frame, same suspension layout and design. Different tires for the track (of course), different roll bar for the track (of course), bigger brakes and additional cooling ducts.

Oh yeah, we have a factory lightweight as well ... over the counter. Same design as the standard roller, simply lighter with some aero mods (you want to go faster you need aero on your side).

Totally getting off the original discussion now... but to answer your question the heart of the beast and the design structure is the same.

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by Durt

Cheaper than Superformance? I'm all ears. Superior performance? Keep talking.

We would need evidence to the contrary of course...

[Durt]

I actually think the #24 car is gorgeous. I wish I had the space to garage a full track spec racer alongside my S/C.
I just think it's a bit disingenuous to post pictures of your race mule as something a first time buyer could aspire to.

"We would need evidence to the contrary of course.."

What, price or performance?

[STCinc]

I looked at both BDR and SPF when I was looking in 2003. When put side-by-side with the same options / equipment (ie: tonneau, top, leather, knock-offs, etc) the cost was not so dramatic to go to the SPF vs the BDR. I went with the SPF, "I" felt it was a better , quality car; but that was my opinion.

The other thought to keep in mind is this, IS THERE A DEALER IN THE AREA TO ASSIST AFTER THE SALE??? That might make a big difference if you need anything after the sale....

So, make sure your comparing apples to apples and then take each for a drive.. But regardless, you will not regret it!!!!!!!!!!!! Just enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

[Durt]

Let me put in simple terms. I admit I don't know anything about Backdraft other than they offer a very similar SPF package for thousands of dollars less. When I bought SPF 243 in 1997 it cost 29K, and was worth every nickel. It's still worth close to what I have in it (excluding motor,) and that's unheard of as an automotive investment.
If you're on a budget, and a Backdraft is a similarly appointed and quality assembled Cobra along the lines of an SPF - by all means - consider one.
But DON'T blow smoke up anyone's keester that it's a vastly superior unit.
It ain't.

[ROUSHAC]

JC Performance,

Sometimes this place reminds me of the old joke about going to watch a fight, but a hockey game broke out.

Everyone loves the brand they have, and everyone has their own opinion about what makes a "good" or "correct" Cobra. That doesn't make anyone right or wrong, since it's all subjective.

The only thing that REALLY matters is what YOU think will fit your needs best, what your budget is, and perhaps how close to a dealer you are located.

Personally try out cars from several manufacturers and make your own choice. One of them WILL scream "BUY ME!" to you. Any of the Cobras mentioned above will make you happy. They are all good in different ways.

Good luck whatever you decide upon.