GT40 or Cobra?

[Jeff Frigo]

I currently own an ERA Cobra with an 454 FE engine. Very well sorted and dependable. Has anybody ever owned a Cobra and a GT40, not necessarily at the same time? If you had to choose only one? Any comments, regrets?

[cobrarob]

I currently own both

I have an SPF cobra and a 2006 FORD GT , they are completley different animals , I love to drive the cobra and dont drive the GT very much

Would you have any specific questions

[Jeff Frigo]

Originally Posted by cobrarob

I currently own both

I have an SPF cobra and a 2006 FORD GT , they are completley different animals , I love to drive the cobra and dont drive the GT very much

Would you have any specific questions

I was thinking, a GT40, not a Ford GT. But I will ask anyways, why dont you drive the GT that much? What draws more attention? Which one feels faster? What engine do you have in the SPF?

[fordracing65]

I have driven both, the gt40 I drove was a supeformance, very hard to get in and out of but thats a ford gt40, one thing I love about a cobra is the clear visibility in every direction, both cars had a roush 427 in them, the cobra feels more dangerous because of the wheelbase, and the gt had ac and was a nice cruising car, handled better than the cobra, and I turned faster lap times in the gt, the gt draws alot of attention but no one can see you in it, both cars are awesome, I like the cobra better for its on the edge factor. both were superformance, by the way the cobra draws just as much attention.

[PatBuckley]

Jeff-

I've had an ERA 427 a Kirkham 427 and a CAV GT40 -

I would be glad to give you details but to be succinct, I drove my ERA and my Kirkham much more than I drive the GT40.

A Cobra is a fun driving experience, the GT40 is a serious driving experrience.

Fun ALWAYS wins out.

[Bartruff1]

Now there is some useful info, thanks Pat...I still have that GT40 itch...

[mreid]

I agree with Pat! I've had a cobra, daytona coupe, and gt40. I liked the cobra best and recently bought a new Kirkham because I missed it so much. I sometimes wish I never sold the coupe, but have no regrets on selling the gt40 even though it was a very cool and well put together car. Interestingly, my gt40 was purchased and used for the close up shots in Fast 5.

[Buzz]

Interesting stuff. I really enjoy the heck out of my Cobra and I've often thought about a GT40. They're two very different animals and the feedback from those of you who've owned both sort of confirms my uneducated guesses about how the two would compare.

[SwiftDB4]

I've never owned a Cobra, but wouldn't trade my SPF GT40 for one. Previous comments are right on. The 40 definitely draws more attention (I drive frequently with a Cobra club). The 40 is faster on a track day- better handling and aerodynamics. Downside is visibility in traffic is bad and even with A/C it's warm.

[twobjshelbys]

About to pop on a Ford GT. My wife hates the Cobra - it's too noisy, smelly, windy, burns your legs, etc - if you can put "too" in front of something (except too much fun) then it is for her. I love it and for a while will have both.

Note that the Ford GT is a civilized car. The SPF or other GT40s are as uncivilized as the Cobra. Neither can be considered a comfortable touring car, nor a passenger's car but both are one h*** of a lot of fun to drive.

The advantage of the GT40 is that you *can* drive it in the rain.

[twobjshelbys]

P.S. If you're thinking of open vs. closed, consider a Daytona Coupe. It would meet my requirements as a replacement, is closed and has A/C and the new ones even have regular 3-point seat belts.

[bmwdb10]

Traded my Contemporary 427 for my CAV GT40. I agree with Pat.... the GT40 is a completely different driving experience. Twitchy, fast, handling is far superior and NEVER goes anywhere without a raving, cheering audience. Much more so than the Cobra. Infact, plan on extra time going anywhere to satisfy the curious masses! The best part of the GT is taking longer trips with it. No wind, comfort and certainly something to be said for A/C. Although I miss the raw experience of the Cobra, I wouldn't trade the GT for another. In my opinion, the GT is the next level both in performace, comfort and satisfaction. I will say that despite my years on convincing Mama that the GT would be more "versitle"... it just plain isnt. The Cobra was always ready, jump in and go, park anywhere. The GT needs thought and LOTS of parking space!

Dave

[Igofastr]

I miss my Kirkham. It was hot, hairy-chested fun that would leave your ears ringing after 15 minutes. But vision was great in traffic, and you could see everyone smiling, and they could see you.

On the other hand, its track manners were not great when I was driving flat out. Thats how I drive, flat out,...in the rain,...at night

While I haven't yet driven my SPF GT, I've sat in the seat and made engine noises. Its obvious that the trade off for that sleek wind-cheating body is outward vision. And sometimes, I'm afraid to open the door while parked in the garage, even though I've never moved the car since the day I rolled it in there.

Never-the-less, perfomance wise, there is no doubt that the GT will be a step up. With the aircon, I'm not sure it won't be more livable than the cobra was in the summer, and with heat, will almost certainly be more livable in the winter.

My 1 cent opinion (used to be 2 cents, but Obama has decided that I haven't been paying my fair share, so I'm in conservation mode now)

[cobrarob]

I driven both cars , I can tell you that there is absolutely no comparison when it comes to attention on the road , the FORD GT gets more attention than anything I have ever driven , so much so you continue to worry about someone running into you which is probably why I dont drive it very much

I can sometimes drive the cobra for miles without anybody so much as noticing me and without being modest my cobra is not hard to look at with a 585HP 427 it is a beast , titanium and black , SPF 17" fully polished wheels , 335s , lowered to the ground

The FORD GT is unlike the replica GTs in so many ways I cant even begin to go into it , most people will drive a lifetime and never see a FORD GT on the road , there are a dozen cobras in my neighbourhood

Also dont forget the FORD GT is a classic and will appreciate with age , unfortunately none of our replicars will ever get that chance

I feel comfortable talking on this topic as I cannot be critical either way as I am on both sides of the fence

As previously noted on this thread , just my $.02

[Jeff Frigo]

Originally Posted by cobrarob

Also dont forget the FORD GT is a classic and will appreciate with age , unfortunately none of our replicars will ever get that chance

Sorry, but no cars that have been made in the thousands (4038) in the past 30 years have apprieciated in value. Seen GT's with less than 5k miles for $120k already. Bought my ERA for $40k 11 years ago, could selll it for $50k fairly easilly today.

Thank you for the rest of the input though.

[PatBuckley]

Ah, the old GT vs GT40 argument.

I think the new GT's are butt ugly and more suited to fat old men.

GT40's on the other hand are beautifully svelte and better suited to race driver types.

Bony had a GT, I have a GT40.

Just my .02

[Jeff Frigo]

Originally Posted by PatBuckley

Ah, the old GT vs GT40 argument.

I think the new GT's are butt ugly and more suited to fat old men.

GT40's on the other hand are beautifully svelte and better suited to race driver types.

Just my .02

Thank you. I would never even consider a new GT.

[cobrarob]

Ah, the old GT vs GT40 argument.

I think the new GT's are butt ugly and more suited to fat old men.

GT40's on the other hand are beautifully svelte and better suited to race driver types.

Bony had a GT, I have a GT40.

Just my .02

funny I was thinking the same thing about a CAV GT40 , I was just to nice to bring it up , but now that you mention it !!!

[cobrakidz]

Considering all the smiles I got from driving the Superformance car I would have to say "Cobra".

[Jeff Frigo]

Originally Posted by cobrakidz

Considering all the smiles I got from driving the Superformance car I would have to say "Cobra".

Compared to what?