Can't decide; Cobra or GT?

CadetLee · 03-07-2005

I'll (hopefully) be in the market for a new (er..used) car next spring..I'm 95% sure that I want a Mustang -- leaning towards a 96-98 Cobra convertible (black on black with black or tan leather..)..I've been told that the 99 Cobras were underrated, and 03+ will probably be out of my price range.

I live in Florida, so I definitely want a convertible -- however, I've also been told that Cobras may not be worth the extra money over a GT. Aside from the nifty logo (which I happen to love), what are the benefits of a Cobra over a GT, assuming that I'm going to mod whatever I buy? An easy 12-second quarter mile while maintaining streetability and some autox-ability would be good..11s would be awesome, but I doubt I can afford that. I do have a 1986 MR2 for autox, so as long as the Mustang will hang with the average Civic/Integra/etc in corners, I'll be alright.

My price range will probably be about $10,000..give or take a little. I saw a '96 GT in Autotrader for $3500 - is it safe to assume that there's something seriously wrong with it? Most are over $5k..

Hopefully this is the right forum, and thanks for any replies

stanggirl04GT · 03-08-2005

get what you want.you will regret if if u dont get what u want.trust me..im pretty sure that u can find a cobra in ur price range when u go car shopping. look at carmax.com for a cobra mustang.they have reasoable prices on cobras.

BlueStreak03 · 03-08-2005

The Cobra really is worth it if you plan on modding the car. The DOHC engine is much more responsive to mods than the SOHC engine. Both are great cars and a kick in the ass to drive, the Cobra just provides slightly bigger grins.

newstangownr · 03-09-2005

I saw a black Cobra rumbling down the street today on my way to work.....IT'S A SIGN!!!......"BUY THE COBRA" SAYS HE..........IT..WILL..BE..YOURS..........

VenemoussC · 03-09-2005

Definantly go with Cobra, the GTs prior to 1999 really take a decent ammount of work to get low 13s. Where as a Cobra can hit 13.0 very easily.

greendriver · 03-09-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by CadetLee

I'll (hopefully) be in the market for a new (er..used) car next spring..I'm 95% sure that I want a Mustang -- leaning towards a 96-98 Cobra convertible (black on black with black or tan leather..)..I've been told that the 99 Cobras were underrated, and 03+ will probably be out of my price range.

I live in Florida, so I definitely want a convertible -- however, I've also been told that Cobras may not be worth the extra money over a GT. Aside from the nifty logo (which I happen to love), what are the benefits of a Cobra over a GT, assuming that I'm going to mod whatever I buy? An easy 12-second quarter mile while maintaining streetability and some autox-ability would be good..11s would be awesome, but I doubt I can afford that. I do have a 1986 MR2 for autox, so as long as the Mustang will hang with the average Civic/Integra/etc in corners, I'll be alright.

My price range will probably be about $10,000..give or take a little. I saw a '96 GT in Autotrader for $3500 - is it safe to assume that there's something seriously wrong with it? Most are over $5k..

Hopefully this is the right forum, and thanks for any replies

Go with the cobra you can Mod it a lot easier, but if your just looking to hang with your average civc my V6 does that so you could go with either the Cobra or the GT in that aspect. If I had the money I would get a cobra.

**tripleblack** · 03-09-2005

The first thing you need to do is decide how much you can spend. I spent 2 years looking for the right Cobra and ended up with a sweet deal on a low mileage GT. I love the GT, and by the time I finish upgrading it it will run like a Cobra, but I find that I wish I'd gone with the SVT...

The other consideration would be insurance costs. Some parts of the country, insuring a Cobra can really be a lot more $ than a GT. Check before you jump.

03 Cobras may be cheaper than you think. Run a "Power Search" on autotrader.com for a used Mustang with 8 cyl inthe $20-27000 range. You'll see plenty, some with hardly any miles on them, and even some with some very expensive upgrades already done.

I recently found 2 03 Cobra convertibles for under $25,000, and one of them had only 9000 miles on it.

If you just can't hit this high on the $$$, you might run a search for 2002 Cobras. They were a bit more substantial than the 99's, and cheaper than the 03's. I've seen these in the high teens (price).

I know a local fellow (member of the Georgia Regional Mustang Club) who's selling a nice Cobra (mystichrome) for just $9000. Its one of the earlier years (90-94 I believe).
If you're interested in such a car, I'll try to find out if he's sold it yet.

Check your sources frequently. The best buys don't last long.

Good luck with your search, and let us know how it goes.

tripleblack

CadetLee · 03-09-2005

My Corolla ran a high 15 off the bottle (haven't sprayed at the track yet), so I don't typically have too much problems with 'average' (ie non-swapped/turbo) Civics..

I prefer the look of the 94-98 Mustangs, so I'm considering a 96-98 Cobra convertible (black with black top) -- I found a '97 for $12,995, but I can't buy one just yet.

If all goes well with work, I plan on buying one May-ish of 2006..so I have a little over a year to wait. Hopefully I won't change my mind between now and then..

badass98svt · 03-09-2005

whats the difference between a cobra and a gt? um, well you said you were looking for a 96-98 cobra. so, a 96-98 gt is 215 hp. a 96-98 cobra is 305 hp. thats an 80hp difference. i had a 97 gt and i now own my 98 cobra. go with the cobra. it'll give you a head start toward your 12s!

CadetLee · 03-09-2005

What should it run stock -- high 13s? Also..how much work would I need to run a 12.99, without going with 4.10s?

badass98svt · 03-09-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by CadetLee

What should it run stock -- high 13s? Also..how much work would I need to run a 12.99, without going with 4.10s?

why not 4.10s? if not 4.10s then go with 4.30s

stock a 96-98 cobra will run in the 13.6- (gulp) 14.0 range. with 4.30s, a short throw shifter,some weight reduction, exhaust, a cai (it works a lot better on 4v's then gt's), some drag radials or slicks, and a couple of suspension mods you could be well on your way to 12s, if you can drive. or you can add some gears and a 150 shot

CadetLee · 03-09-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by badass98svt

why not 4.10s? if not 4.10s then go with 4.30s

stock a 96-98 cobra will run in the 13.6- (gulp) 14.0 range. with 4.30s, a short throw shifter,some weight reduction, exhaust, a cai (it works a lot better on 4v's then gt's), some drag radials or slicks, and a couple of suspension mods you could be well on your way to 12s, if you can drive. or you can add some gears and a 150 shot

I'm 20 miles from work now, and I don't want to break the bank at the gas station..then again..I'll probably be much closer to work (and making a /lot/ more money)..so that may not be an issue.

Can you safely run a 150 shot on the stock motor? I already have a 10lb NX bottle with remote opener..I'd prefer to stay n/a or blown, though. I prefer 'always on'..

CAI, exhaust, 4.10's, short throw shifter, subframe connectors..any other must-haves?

BlueStreak03 · 03-10-2005

maybe some pulleys too.

Mustang_Racing · 03-10-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by CadetLee

CAI, exhaust, 4.10's, short throw shifter, subframe connectors..any other must-haves?

yea..... a video camera...to film all the kills

badass98svt · 03-10-2005

if you want a corner carving cobra, you'll also need some suspension upgrades. 1998 cobra's didn't come with a strut tower brace. you'll also want springs, caster/camber plates, the subframe conn., lower control arms, and uppers will help too.