For pure, back to basics driving pleasure, I bet the Cobra is unrivalled by modern supercars. But the Cobra is hardly a car you'd use when it's wet, when it's snowing, when you are going to IKEA, when you are going to work, when you want to waft on the highway, when you want to not die on a mountain road due to less than Stig driving skills, when it's hot, when...
Hey, kids, please go RTFA. The Cobra is not an old classic Cobra, it is a new version with the Corvette engine, Porsche suspension, etc. Okay, done? Now, if you'd like to continue making inane "Corvette rulez!" statements, go ahead.
/end rant.
I remember a few years back, they tried this with a Cobra and a Viper, first gen. The Cobra won, but then got disqualified because it didn't even have a fraction of the safety equipment required to be on the track.
Point is, it's going to be hard to beat an old Cobra. They didn't need to carry any of the stuff new cars do, so they are already lighter. A good replica gets lighter still. Throw a really good tuner into the works, and eventually not even a car as awesome as the Corvette has much of a chance.
On the otherhand, the ZR1 will stop and go around corners in an entertaining, but mostly non-threatening, fashion. The 427 Cobra will try really hard to kill you. And thus, balance is restored to the universe.
@scroggs: I'm surprised by your response, it seems like you are thinking of this like an original, not a modern replica. The originals were diabolical, the modern replicas have had quite a bit of therapy to overcome their homicidal tendencies. The rest of the test drive makes it seem fairly docile. [www.autocar.co.uk]
scroggs promoted this comment
Edited by SlowMo (actually, there's no E on my R) at 08/27/09 12:24 PM
SlowMo (actually, there's no E on my R) was starred
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@SlowMo (actually, there's no E on my R): See, this is where I get into trouble. The MkIV Cobras are, to my mind, not "real" Cobras. They're restomods. Better suspension, brakes, and steering with all of the 427 Cobra looks and none of the original 427 Cobra vices.
Real, or if you prefer, "period" AC/Shelby Cobras are potential lifetakers. And as much as I admire them, I wouldn't want one. Because I'd want to drive it...fast, it would in turn kill me, and then me and it's expensive mangled remains would be the subject of sport on this very site. And I ain't going out like that!
I drove a replica 427 Cobra once, and it shall go down as the only time I have ever driven one. That thing scared the bejesus out of me. It was simultaneously more muscular than the governator on steroids and more willing to swap ends than Jenna Jameson.
On the bright side, I looked cool in it. Right up until I messed up the 4-3 downshift and went straight into first.
@pauljones:
That is still an experience I'd love to have.
My dad's friend had the original cobra when it came out. He had to get rid of it because no matter where he took it, or even if it stayed at home, people were trying to steal it.
@jbownsabmw- Koopas Beware: Bingo. My brothers FFR can't beat my Camaro. Straight line he can't get me no matter what he does. Not enough experience with the T-5 and not enough torque to make up for it.
We are pretty much even, with some more time behind the wheel I think he could take me.
@Theimbellis: 638hp doesn't qualify for supercar status? I guess your supercar has a flux capacitor then?
The Cobra may have beat the Vette in that unofficial drag race, (no starter or timer?) but once they pass 100mph the Vette blows right by. Is it worth the extra $$? I'd rather have the Cobra.
08/28/09
You get the idea.
08/27/09
When you don't care about things like a stereo or roof or coming back alive you can go as fast as you like.
Considering all the stuff this cobra is missing, it should have been even faster.
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/end rant.
I remember a few years back, they tried this with a Cobra and a Viper, first gen. The Cobra won, but then got disqualified because it didn't even have a fraction of the safety equipment required to be on the track.
Point is, it's going to be hard to beat an old Cobra. They didn't need to carry any of the stuff new cars do, so they are already lighter. A good replica gets lighter still. Throw a really good tuner into the works, and eventually not even a car as awesome as the Corvette has much of a chance.
08/27/09
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Real, or if you prefer, "period" AC/Shelby Cobras are potential lifetakers. And as much as I admire them, I wouldn't want one. Because I'd want to drive it...fast, it would in turn kill me, and then me and it's expensive mangled remains would be the subject of sport on this very site. And I ain't going out like that!
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On the bright side, I looked cool in it. Right up until I messed up the 4-3 downshift and went straight into first.
Never again. Ever.
08/27/09
That is still an experience I'd love to have.
My dad's friend had the original cobra when it came out. He had to get rid of it because no matter where he took it, or even if it stayed at home, people were trying to steal it.
08/27/09
Did you wet yourself?
08/27/09
I'll just build a mundane 289. Lots of fun, less death mixed in.
08/27/09
In my defense, those old four-speeds are imprecise and a bitch to shift, to say nothing of the clutch.
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The ZR1 has an anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer...the Cobra...has no roof.
08/27/09
(Assuming 427 engine)
~2300/425 = 5.41
In the hands of a skilled driver, I just don't see the big deal.
08/27/09
We are pretty much even, with some more time behind the wheel I think he could take me.
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The Cobra may have beat the Vette in that unofficial drag race, (no starter or timer?) but once they pass 100mph the Vette blows right by. Is it worth the extra $$? I'd rather have the Cobra.
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Have you ever raced a Corvette against a McLaren F1? I don't think so — the F1 surely will leave the Corvette in the dust by several seconds.