5.0 or Cobra

[usafimj]

Currently stationed in Germany and own a 2011 GT right now. I'm tossing around the idea of selling my GT and buying an 04 Cobra stateside then have it shipped over here for about $1200. Wondering if its worth it. Newer vs old, technology vs no technology, etc. Either car will be my DD until paid off then I'll get another DD for the family and garage the toy

2011 5.0: Owe $13K but worth about $19-20K
04 Cobra: $20K but with a down payment I'll have a loan about $10K
Insurance: Will not change. For some reason it costs the same.

 

[joe_momma]

Always loved the Termis but finding a good now is getting increasingly difficult.

 

[eicht]

From what I have seen, finding a good one for under $20K will be very difficult.

 

[weather man]

Keep your current ride, buy a termi when you come back.

 

[Grabber]

I've owned both cars, raced both cars and heavily modified both cars.

Technology - Bar none, the coyote takes the cake. More features hands down.
Handling - The coyote has a better chassis, better and more developed suspension and brakes. Coyote takes the win here.
Performance - On a road course, the coyote will most likely take the win. At a dragstrip, stock for stock it is a drivers race. Mod for Mod, up until the Cobra swaps blowers, it comes down to the dailing in of the car and the driver. However, the Cobra makes a lot of power with very little money invested.

I'll be honest and say to this day, I miss my Cobra. The presence, the sheer torque of the car and the sound it made were all amazing. However, every time I get into my '14, I have a huge shit eating grin on my face because of how nice the car is and knowing what it is capable of.

Consensus - You cannot go wrong with either car. It is going to come down to what you can afford, what you prefer when it comes to comfort, features, options, and what you want out of the car.

Before buying a Cobra, check SVTP and make sure you have it inspect, compression tests done. Contact Robert @ Hi-End Auto out of VA. I bought my Mach 1 from him and he specializes in 03/04 Cobra's. He won't sell you a turd and you'll get a good deal on one. If there is a problem with a car he has, you will know what is done to it and what the issues, if any are. That is your best route buying one. Private party is sketchy because people want to move Cobra's and typically don't declare every defect or problem.

Good luck OP.

 

[eighty6gt]

Put a Roush supercharger on the 2011.

 

[TGR96]

I think Grabber's post pretty much sums it up. Although I have never owned a terminator Cobra, I have driven a couple, and I think they are still sweet rides, even 12 years after Ford stopped making them. I still turn my head whenever I see one. I'd love to have one as an "extra toy," but for a DD, you will be hard pressed to beat your current car.

Put a Roush supercharger on the 2011.

^^^

 

[skaarlaj]

I loved my 04 Cobra, and even though it made great power with little investment, I hated worrying about the heavy irs breaking, so I paid dearly to build / install a solid rear, and at the end of the day my HCI nitroused 1200$fox before the mods ran quicker in the eighth, and I'm hoping to run similar times in my 2012 5.0 before I look into a power adder. So I have high hopes for the Coyote thus far. I think stock for stock a Coyote stang vs. 03/04 Cobra would be really close and come down to the driver. And modded, I think it would also be pretty close with a power adder on the Coyote vs a bigger blower swapped Cobra in a race at the drag strip but not on a dyno with the cobra lower end being a bit tougher from the factory enabling the Cobra to run more boost??

I also was not fond of the shifting quality, and ratios in the T56 compared to the MT-82, and even the T5.

 

[Pentalab]

Put a Roush supercharger on the 2011.

This

 

[eighty6gt]

I think Justin's stage 1 kits are around $6000 now, as well. VMP. You can also go completely nuts and spend closer to 10 grand with ID1000's and stuff.

 

[pacettr]

03/04 Cobras are obviously legendary, but IMO SUCK for DD duty. Horrible seating position, ergonomics, etc. Chassis sucks. Cobra might be "cooler", but Coyote is "better".


IMO if you aspire to own a Cobra, keep the 2011 for now, and when it's paid off, keep it and buy a Cobra.


But I own 6 Mustangs, so not sure how much help I am

 

[usafimj]

Every now and then I come up with the idea to get a cobra but I came to my senses. I just ended up buying Stainless Power LT headers w/ catted x-pipe and a Lund tune from LMR.

Eventually I'd like to build the block, heads/cams, and a VMP s/c

 

[skaarlaj]

Every now and then I come up with the idea to get a cobra but I came to my senses. I just ended up buying Stainless Power LT headers w/ catted x-pipe and a Lund tune from LMR.

Eventually I'd like to build the block, heads/cams, and a VMP s/c

Good choice, and let us know how she runs after the headers!!

 

[2013sTang]

5.0 hands down since they are newer and in my opinion nicer

 

[black2008gt]

Why not save up get a 11+ gt500 and get the best of both worlds.

 

[2013sTang]

Why not save up get a 11+ gt500 and get the best of both worlds.

This^

 

[skaarlaj]

Why not save up get a 11+ gt500 and get the best of both worlds.

An additional 10 grand more than a coyote, or probably more than 15K over a Cobra would be a strong point for me. Also, if the old Cobra isn't blown-up yet, or complete garbage, it'll probably be more than capable of handling the GT500. I doubt there's many Cobras running around these days making less than 550 to the rear wheels, again that is if they're still running, and still safe to drive lol. Alot of it depends if your priorities are, quick, nice, or affordable.

 

[GallopingFord]

Keep the '11. Pay it off and buy a Cobra later.

While I cannot deny my love for the 03-04's and I too want to purchase one, the S197's are far superior cars.

 

[01yellerCobra]

You asked this question on an S197 board. What did you really expect? Ask the same question on SVTP and they'll be the exact opposite. You're going to have to make this decision yourself.

 

[2013sTang]

You asked this question on an S197 board. What did you really expect? Ask the same question on SVTP and they'll be the exact opposite. You're going to have to make this decision yourself.

This^ exactly