Mach 1 or Cobra?

ArkansasMystic · Sep 14, 2009

After the sale of my 96 Mystic, I'm beginning to look for the next purchase. It won't be anytime soon, it doesn't hurt to begin the search for information. Based on current pricing, I'm thinking I'll end up with a 03/04 Mach 1 or a 99/01 Cobra. I like the newer Mach 1. I love the look and also just the fact that it's a newer car. I like the Cobra because of the IRS (not looking for huge power) and more stock hp. This car will just be a weekend/sunny day driver and show car. I have been content with the power of my 96, so the power isn't a huge deal. I guess it comes down to which is a more solid platform and which will be the easiest/cheapest to work on for repairs and such. Which has a better motor/tranny setup, or are there really any major differences? Any ideas here guys? Personally, I'm leaning towards the Mach 1, but I do like the Cobras as well. I won't be doing many mods. I'll probably do some appearance stuff, but I'm gonna go for one as close to stock as possible. Thanks!

Kilgore Trout · Sep 14, 2009

Mach1 for sure. Cobras are too mechanically complex, too expensive to own and maintain, and too hard to find someone who can work on them properly. Even the stealership is clueless generally. That has been MY experience anyways...

There is NOTHING cheap about owning a Cobra its like owning a boat.

'13_ImpactBlue_GT · Sep 14, 2009

How have you kept your Snake stock Kilgore??

ArkansasMystic · Sep 14, 2009

According to his sig, yes. I really had no complaints on my 96 Cobra, just routine maintenance for the most part.

Kilgore Trout · Sep 14, 2009

How have I kept it stock? By not being able to afford mods just keeping up on the PM... Hell a set of tires is almost a grand...

Crzyhrse · Sep 14, 2009

'99-'01 Cobra might have advertised 320HP, but they don't have anymore rearwheel horsepower than a bone stock Mach 1. A 5 speed Mach is between 275-280RWHP bone stock. The same as a '99-'01 Cobra. If you look at a '99 make sure the owner or previous owner before them got the "fix" done to the engine to bring it up to the advertised engine output. Both are 4 valves so they'll be about the same to work on. The '99 Cobra will have the T-45 transmission. The '01 Cobra has the TR-3650. The '01 Cobra has 31 spline axles. The Mach has 28 spline. If you can spend about $13-$14K you can get a great low mileage Mach.

VEE EIGHT · Sep 14, 2009

Mach 1 > 99/01 Cobra.

Stock Mach's put down anywhere from 260-280rwhp.....pretty much identical to the 99/01 Cobra's.

Twista · Sep 14, 2009

Cobra

1low03gt · Sep 14, 2009

Either or are pretty sweet!All depends on what your taste is.

Crzyhrse · Sep 14, 2009

VEE EIGHT said:
Mach 1 > 99/01 Cobra.

Stock Mach's put down anywhere from 260-280rwhp.

Yes, an Auto Mach is in the 260 range.

02LaserRed2V · Sep 15, 2009

I'd rather have a Mach.

8750pat · Sep 15, 2009

mach for sure

mustang50v8 · Sep 15, 2009

i would rather have a cobra....i am biased. but i like the way my cobra handles better than my GT did. feels more planted to the road, and bumps dont upset it as much.

plus there is a snake on the side. i dont get nearly as many stupid rices pulling up next to me anymore. at a light, they ususally stay a half car length behind, even if i am first in line.

sick2v · Sep 15, 2009

Most def go with the mach 1.

02nightmaregt · Sep 15, 2009

Not to be THAT GUY, but if your Mystic was paid off than you really should have kept it, and bought a second vehicle. Your just basically going through more of a hassle now. Just MHO, not trying to be a dick.

ArkansasMystic · Sep 15, 2009

I'm not buying this vehicle right away. As I mentioned in my first post, I'm just beginning to do some looking. As far as keeping the mystic, finances didn't allow it. It was paid for. I don't take loans, period. I hate paying to use someone elses money. Sure, I have to on a house, but that's it. I had to have something larger for my commute. Also, even with 2 rigs I didn't have a way to store the mystic. Plus insurance on 2 rigs is high. I didn't have the extra cash laying around to buy a reliable dd. And finally, the Mystic was a money pit. When I sold it the rear end and and tranny were beginning to let go. There's no way I could afford that, so I cut my losses and moved on. I've got a vehicle that'll be good for many years of daily driving now. In a year or so, I'll have enough cash set back I can again be back into a Stang. That's why I'm saying, based on the current market for these cars, the 99/01 Cobra and the Mach 1 should be affordable when the time comes. Sorry for the long post, but felt it was needed for clarification. For those suggesting one over the other, can you please state why? Thanks a lot!

Kilgore Trout · Sep 16, 2009

You say the Mystic was a money pit, so you already know what it is like to own a Cobra. Get the Mach!

stangGT97 · Sep 16, 2009

It's a tough call, but I would say Mach 1. I love the unique interior styling and the Shaker hood scoop, and since it will have the same power as a stock 99/01 Cobra, it is not at any disadvantage. Maybe the only thing pulling me to the Cobra is the IRS, because I enjoy a spirited drive in the twisties.

Kilgore Trout · Sep 16, 2009

The IRS is nice because the car does not bounce sideways on corners. However it adds a lot of mechanical complexity and it is kludged in from a Lincoln car. In stock form it needs a lot of money and work.

Let me bottom line it for you, I cannot do burnouts without massive wheel hop. If a mustang cannot do burnouts then WTF is it good for?

It would cost me at least $400 to get it squared away and that is if I do the work myself and get Bruce's parts instead of MM's. F-that...

SONIC 4.6 · Sep 16, 2009

Mach 1 all the way. Kinda hard to justify spending 14k or so on a older cobra mustang. When there is a much newer Mach for the same price.
The Mach have awesome interiors too.

Mach 1 or Cobra?

New Member

Fried or Broiled ?

Angry Little Elf

New Member

Fried or Broiled ?

Active Member

Member

Active Member

Active Member

New Member

New Member

Member

New Member

To hell with your Mustang, I want to see your HOG!

New Member

Fried or Broiled ?

New Member

Fried or Broiled ?

New Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency