[Cobra2k1]

I happened to pick up the newest Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords mag which features the road test of the new 03 Mach 1. I was interesting in reading about it. Well according to their tests they ran a best time of

13.52 @ 103.97 mph with an Automatic &
13.135 @ 105.51 with the 5-speed

This was a completely stock 03 Mach 1, and in the same article they compared their road test time of the 01 Cobra from their September 2001 issue in which they ran a best 13.34. I just could not believe that from what I was reading that the new Mach 1 is faster stock than the 01 Cobra

Now www.car-stats.com says the 01 Cobra runs a 13.5 @ 105 mph, so in fact the driver for MM&FF actually performed a better than average run with the 01 Cobra. So in general everyday application by Joe Smoe the Mach 1 is even faster than what the mag is reporting, and even the automatic has a good shot at beating the 01 Cobra in the 1/4 mile stock. Obviously it comes down to the driver, but still has technology advanced this much in 2 years?

I mean you have 2 cars both 4.8 litre DOHC V-8s stock

03 Mach 1 305 HP @ 5,800 rpms
Torque 320 ft lbs @ 4,200 rpms
Weighs 3,465 lbs.

01 Cobra 320 HP @ 6,000 rpms
Torque 317 ft lbs @ 4,750 rpms
Weighs 3,525 lbs

So the Cobra weighs slightly more and has slightly less torque, while the Mach 1 has less FWHP. I just don't get it why

I mean I can understand why Ford would want to boost the power of this special edition, as they didn't really do much performance wise with the Bullitt. Still I can't help but wonder why Ford would make the Mach 1 faster than their 2nd newest production Cobra. Now they have me wondering if I shouldn't have just waited and bought a Mach 1 instead of the Cobra, payed less money and even had the choice of an automatic that would be at least as fast or faster

[GT Dan]

the Mach 1 sounds like it tastes great and is less filling....

[Monkey Boy]

The Mach 1 is faster because it has a stick axle and its power is slightly underrated by Ford. The engine is probably making the same, if not more power as the Cobra and it most certainly is making more torque than the Cobra. Oh, and its a 4.6 V8 not 4.8, what do you think this is a Chevy site?

[Greg_Hager]

You want an automatic??? What's wrong with you??

With that aside, what are the differances between the 03 Mach 1's engine and the 01 Cobra (other than the Shaker, of course).

[JESTER]

Originally posted by Monkey Boy
The Mach 1 is faster because it has a stick axle and its power is slightly underrated by Ford. The engine is probably making the same, if not more power as the Cobra and it most certainly is making more torque than the Cobra.

exactly, and something else to keep in mind is the Mach1 has the 03 Cobra heads whish are suposed to flow better then the 99/01 Cobra.

I have actually seen ETs for the Mach1 BEATING the 03 Cobra....the IRS can hurt the Cobra off the line....but I imagine if I were to catch one on the street from a roll....it would lean in my favor....

[Cobra2k1]

Originally posted by Monkey Boy
Oh, and its a 4.6 V8 not 4.8, what do you think this is a Chevy site?

Bah typo, and now I can't even edit it out so I don't look dumb

As for wanting an automatic, well I didn't say that but with a Mach 1 you at least have the option. In addition, I can think of many situations where an automatic would be ideal like driving in congested city traffic. More of a reason why Ford should offer sportronic shifters in Mustangs like they offer in the new Thunderbirds.

[GT Dan]

The Boxters and other cars have the sportronic paddle shifters on the steering wheel too.

The Mustangs should have them as an option.

[LilBluP1]

I know that the new Mach 1 has 3.55 gears what does a 01 Cobra have might account for a little better ET.

[Monkey Boy]

The Mach I engine has 03 Cobra heads, a new intake manifold, exhaust cams from the 5.4, and undisclosed intake cams (Ford's not telling).

The 01 Cobra has 3.27 gears.

[SombreroMan]

I agree about the automatic option. It is nice to have when sitting in traffic (which I do a lot of), but there are times I wish I had a manual.

[Pro Mod]

Originally posted by Monkey Boy
The Mach I engine has 03 Cobra heads, a new intake manifold, exhaust cams from the 5.4, and undisclosed intake cams (Ford's not telling).

The 01 Cobra has 3.27 gears.

AGH, you beat me to it!

But I thought the intake cams were from the 5.4 truck, and the exhaust cams were the "new" cam???

[Monkey Boy]

Early bird gets the worm, Pro Mod! No, I'm pretty sure the exhaust cam came from the parts bin and the intake is the new one.

[hmarv347]

You may want to check this thread out. It's the Mach I Dyno with only 490 miles on the motor.

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forum...ht=mach+i+dyno

Also the exhaust cam came from the 5.4 Lightning. And as Monkey Boy states, the intake Ford isn't talking. So we don't know if it is the Cobra intake also.

Corrected HP:

282 RWHP, 311 RWTQ. so figuring 15% loss in drivetrain, that converts to 332.12 FWHP corrected for altitude.

Actual HP:

297 RWHP and 327 RWTQ again figuring 15% loss for drivetrain.

349.41 FWHP

3.55 gears will make the difference too.

[FM2K GT]

the 01 cobra dont have a blower on it right?

[countymounty]

Old thread……

03 was the first year Cobras were supercharged from the factory. the 01 were not.

The 03 mach one is faster then the 01 cobras, the had the same motor but the mach had the better flowing 03 cobra heads.