kit car ratings

[Maricopa]

Hey Jamo, if we can have a Buttrick here, why not a ****ey? I mean, as long as we keep them a reasonable distance apart.

[dj8418]

As an interested reader of this thread, how were the ratings in the earlier spreadsheet determined? One person's opinion, a panel of "experts" or a wide ranging survey of owners? Just curious as I am trying to educate myself on this topic.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by dj8418

As an interested reader of this thread, how were the ratings in the earlier spreadsheet determined? One person's opinion, a panel of "experts" or a wide ranging survey of owners? Just curious as I am trying to educate myself on this topic.

Dinobyte's spreadsheet was just a SWAG at an idea for rating the cars. Seems like a reasonable starting point. Just massage the inputs so that it support your original thesis...voila, you've got the best car.

[TButtrick]

Originally Posted by maricopa

hey jamo, if we can have a buttrick here, why not a ****ey? I mean, as long as we keep them a reasonable distance apart.

lmao.........

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by dj8418

As an interested reader of this thread, how were the ratings in the earlier spreadsheet determined? One person's opinion, a panel of "experts" or a wide ranging survey of owners? Just curious as I am trying to educate myself on this topic.

The chart is a complete crock made by a Backdraft person to promote Backdraft replicas.

Backdraft looks on par with Unique and Superformance???
Only if you set the BDR's bulging, butt-heavy look as the high standard. If the actual look, proportions and stance of a Cobra are used as the standard, Backdraft gets a generous "2" in that department. Unique would rate a "4.5" right behind ERA.

Backdraft's average score higher than CSX, SPF, ERA and Unique???
Not on this planet, unless again BDR and not the Cobra itself is set as the standard all manufacturers aspire to replicate.

Nothing against BDR or the folks that love them, they are a nice "Cobra like hotrod" but don't try to pass off marketing hype as objective Cobra replica evaluation. Please don't take this as an attack on Backdraft, just calling bs on the bs in the chart.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Please don't take this as an attack on Backdraft, just calling bs on the bs in the chart.

I would have posted that myself earlier, but I had already maxed out my acerbity limit.

[elmariachi]

All these comparisons do is wind up pissing people off. Having owned Harley's, boats, Porsches etc, the one thing those owners all had in common is they congregated together by brand, even on the forums. So they can say their's is best and everyone agrees. Here on CC, that is not the case, we are all one big melting pot, melting being the operative word. In my opinion there are too many current and past cars and builders/options/bodystyles/powerplants/build methods to compare one against the other. But it makes for good entertainment.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by elmariachi

Here on CC ... we are all one big melting pot, -- it makes for good entertainment.

I don't like anybody that isn't exactly like me.

[Rad22]

My FFR was built over a 2 year span in my own garage/shop using all new parts and an American-built crate 351W. I did all the work myself other than the paint. Total cost was over $50k, but it could have been done as well for less.

I am sure there are other brands of equal quality, but FFR's don't deserve a back seat to anyone.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Examine them closely. You'll see the design/build quality.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I don't like anybody that isn't exactly like me.

Me too, I mean, me neither.

[Buzz]

I don't know if I totally agree, elmariachi - I own a Unique and while I will state that it is a very good replica - accurate in appearance, well engineered, easy to assemble, solidly constructed and backed up by some of the finest people in the business - I will not claim it is the "best" in the company of Kirkhams and CSX replicas.

The truth is that while people can and should be expected to be honest and objective, what's good for on person ain't necessarily good for another. Since these are all Cobra replicas, the only objective way to rate them is on how well they replicate a Cobra.

Patrick, don't give up on yourself just yet, buddy - I'm sure you still got some left in you!

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by Buzz

I don't know if I totally agree, elmariachi - I own a Unique and while I will state that it is a very good replica - accurate in appearance, well engineered, easy to assemble, solidly constructed and backed up by some of the finest people in the business - I will not claim it is the "best" in the company of Kirkhams and CSX replicas.

I would agree with that in terms of my Hurricane vs a Kirkham as well. But to lay it all out in a spreadsheet and be unemotional and objective about it would be tough for most.

[Buzz]

Rad22, she's a real byoot (does that second roll bar come off?). FFR's have a nice, light chassis and great factoy support. They can be finished as nicely as anything else out there. I personally don't like the odd-looking hindquarters that the Smiths could have changed a long time ago if they wanted to. That's one of the reasons that I really hope they go ahead with the project to digitize and replicate the body of the late **** Smith's #198 car. That would elevate FFR to a whole new level.

[RodKnock]

These threads are always entertaining. Please no self-destruct button here. There are only so many carb, FI and MSD tuning questions I can handle.

I think the chart in concept is a good idea, but it needs to stay grounded in fact. Prospective Cobra owners should have basic info such as prices, delivery time, but not build time, aluminum versus fiberglass, round versus square tube, suspension type, roller versus kit, rear end type, bolt-on versus pin drive wheels, etc.

The rest of the subjective nonsense is pointless, although again, very entertaining.

[Cashburn]

All that work and attention to detail (chromed door hinges no less) and ignition wires that are too long! You look hard enough and you can find something....

Seriously, if it is a kit you cannot go about creating a "standard" to judge all others by.

Make your own chart (as Mike did) and assign your own weights and values to each brand. I will not pretend to think what I sell is right for everyone. If someone calls me and keeps talking about "originality" then I nudge them away, they will never be completely satisfied with what I sell if it has to walk like a duck and quack like a duck.

There should be a gentlemans agreement here, if the poster does not state their budget, intended use, mechanical abilities, and intended length of ownership then let them get self acquainted.

Whatever you currently own is the best for you, we already know that.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

There should be a gentlemans agreement here, if the poster does not state their budget, intended use, mechanical abilities, and intended length of ownership then let them get self acquainted. Whatever you currently own is the best for you, we already know that.

Yep. Notice the post count for the thread starter....2. Its the same question most everyone seems to ask who gets into this, "which one is best?" New people seem to want to approach this like they buy PCs and TVs...lay it out in a spreadsheet, weigh the options, and one bubbles to the top. Not.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Patrick, don't give up on yourself just yet, buddy - I'm sure you still got some left in you!

Have no fear; there's plenty more where that came from.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Whatever you currently own is the best for you, we already know that.

Not necessarily. There are many who drive what they can afford or what's practical or available at the time. I'm sure most Mazda RX8 owners don't actually think their cars are better than say, a Corvette ZR-1.

[Bill Bess]

DAH! My car is the best......HUMMMMM! Only if I had a million or two, let me see maybe I'd just buy an original Shelby Cobra, or a GT40..or a whole lot of stuff..one of each. Perhaps that "Bat mobile" would do it?

Whatever you build, drive and play with is the best Cobra.
Bill

[Dinobyte]

Originally Posted by Buzz

The chart is a complete crock made by a Backdraft person to promote Backdraft replicas.

Backdraft looks on par with Unique and Superformance???
Only if you set the BDR's bulging, butt-heavy look as the high standard. If the actual look, proportions and stance of a Cobra are used as the standard, Backdraft gets a generous "2" in that department. Unique would rate a "4.5" right behind ERA.

Backdraft's average score higher than CSX, SPF, ERA and Unique???
Not on this planet, unless again BDR and not the Cobra itself is set as the standard all manufacturers aspire to replicate.

Nothing against BDR or the folks that love them, they are a nice "Cobra like hotrod" but don't try to pass off marketing hype as objective Cobra replica evaluation. Please don't take this as an attack on Backdraft, just calling bs on the bs in the chart.

Buzz,

I am not trying to promote anyone's brand. I don't receive a commission if someone buys a Backdraft. I am an owner, yes. Would I have prefered a Kirkham? Yes! Is there anyone here who would not?

If you read my post, it asked for everyones input. The chart is a start, not a finish. As for your claim of not attacking anyone, nice try, but you don't get a pass that easily. I am sure you would would not try that BS with me in person.

Try being a bit more of the solution and not the problem. Why not add to this in a positive way and not come off as a flame thrower.

Michael