'03, '04 Cobra or S197?

mammothcar1 · 07-21-2006

I have also posed this question at the 2005 forum.

What are your opinions and experiences regarding the '03, '04 Cobra vs. the S197?

I have '65 gt350'r'. It's loud. The ride is 'firm, and I smell like burnt oil, exhaust, and fuel when I'm done driving it! And that's what I want with my next car.
I've driven the S197. It is a great car, but it felt too refined for me.

I know the differences about the '03, '04 Cobra and S197. (Engine, suspension, frame, IRS. etc.)

My question is, which one is more down and dirty?

Thoughts?

9Venom9 · 07-21-2006

Get the 03-04 Cobra! Trust me, test drive both the Cobra and the GT and you will see.

mammothcar1 · 07-21-2006

Thanks for the reply 9venom9.

I have been in the market for a newer 'stang. Something I can drive more often than the '65.

The 2000 Cobra 'R' model is the type of car I'm looking for. But since I don't have the cash-ola for that beast, its the '03 '04 cobra vs the s197.
What has been your impression of the reliability of the cobras?
Anything major problems about the cobra engine I should know about?

Thanks

Rob_in_Hawaii · 08-26-2006

I've just purchased an '03 Cobra. It was a toss-up between that and the 2007 Mustang GT. The Cobra imho is way faster, much more bang for the buck and actually somewhat of a collectable. And people love how aggressive looking it is.

JD04COBRA · 08-26-2006

I agree with the other posts. I have owned a stang from every decade and I like my 04' cobra the best. It has everything a person would want rolled into one package. Not mention with a few bolt ons and good tune these things are beasts. A beast you can drive in stop and go with the a/c going full blast and never have a problem.

Also there tons of aftermarket parts available. But either way both are great cars.

STONECOLD · 08-26-2006

I would go with the 03-04. Its faster, certainly less refined, and to date, the fastest Cobra. (I'm not counting the 07 since that's a Shelby model and from a price point to performance ratio, its over priced.)

I also believe it may have a little more collector's value since it had such a limited run compared to an 05,06,07.

UrHookUp · 08-27-2006

and if your interested or near FL, My buddy has a 2003 Cobra Conv. for sale. has 13K miles, Virgin stock with chrome wheels, Black on Black.
I have to get what he wants for it again, but somewhere in the 28-29K range.

mammothcar1 · 09-08-2006

Thanks for the replys!
I bought 03 Cobra about three weeks ago. And I've been driving this beast everyday that I can. What a great car!
No doubt about it; this car outperfoms, and out handles the newer 'stangs, and at a price that can't be beat!

Godlik3 · 09-08-2006

hey get some pics up

mammothcar1 · 09-09-2006

I think finally figued out how to post some pic's.

Hopefully it came through.

Next project is to sell my '65 Shelby GT 350 'R' clone.

mammothcar1 · 09-09-2006

It worked!

That only took an hour!

Know if I could just remember how I did it!!!

Wolfpack 3521 · 09-10-2006

terminator...hands down!

SMOKE · 09-11-2006

Congrats on the purchase.

xxkazp3rxx · 09-14-2006

Terminator hands down +1111 - I have drivin the s197's and the Cobra is all around better... remember, most people with just tune, 2.81" pulley and exhaust are putting down mid to high 400rwhp - can a S197 do that? lol

Also remember the SVT's are hand built, and will be more of a collectors in the end then the S197

Nazz · 09-17-2006

I'm in the process of finding a 03 or 04 cobra right now, I'll post pics when I purchase one...