Poll: 01 Cobra or 03 Cobra Top Choice

custom2011 · Dec 15, 2003

I'm buying one or the other and leaning towards the 2001 Cobra.
Advantages are better weight distribution, lighter curb weight, less complicated induction, about $5K cheaper. The 2003 Cobra advantages are more power (70 hp), 6 speeds, beefier trans, stronger half-shafts, 2 years newer.

Am I nuts for leaning towards the 01?

01MustangMan · Dec 15, 2003

Well if money aint a concern, then hands down the 03.. I have driven the 01 and I own an 03 right now, and the 2003 is just an unbeliable car.. It might weigh more, but that only cause of the blower and 6 speed tranny

COBRA90GT · Dec 15, 2003

Well, if money is a concern, then the '01 is still a great choice. The '01s are great snakes and are generally very sound vehicles. Don't get me wrong here, the $5K price difference between the two years isn't anything to sneeze at (it sure would put a dent in my wallet!).
But, the thing that is so great about the '03s, is the amount of power they gain after you perform a few simple mods (let's face it, the supercharged combo just responds better to bolt-ons and pulley swaps). The naturally aspirated motors of the '01 just don't compare when you throw a grand or two worth of mods at the '03s. Yes, this is coming from an '01 owner.

Anyways, it's a decision you'll have to make for yourself. Drive both if you are able to - but remember the gobs of power that the '03 can make if mods are in your plans!

Traveler · Dec 15, 2003

01MustangMan said:
Well if money aint a concern, then hands down the 03.. I have driven the 01 and I own an 03 right now, and the 2003 is just an unbeliable car.. It might weigh more, but that only cause of the blower and 6 speed tranny

Also, the switch to an iron block from aluminum adds to the weight and that equates to about 200+lbs total over the 01. That said, I'd agree that if money isn't a concern I'd go with the 03. The 01 is plenty fun, but you get so much more with the 03. I'd bet that the 01 would probably make for a better handling car (set up properly) and would perhaps feel more nimble, but the slight trade-off is a lot more power and torque. The other aspect is the look, which I prefer the angular lines of the 01 as opposed to the softened rounded, look of the 03. Plus, the 01s are rarer. However, what most people want a Mustang for is its acceleration and you can't hardly beat the deal you get with a 03 Cobra.

Solid Snake · Dec 16, 2003

I think I am in the same boat here, or atleast nearby in a similar boat. I really want an 03, but it looks as if my budget just won't allow it.

However, I DEFINITELY wouldn't be dissapointed with an 01 Cobra.

If an 03 is too much financially, have you thought about a Mach 1?

saleen_4_me · Dec 16, 2003

I own a 98 cobra, took a 01 charged for a spin, and test drove a 03 cobra and rat bagged it You should get the 03 if it's in your budget.

The Factor · Dec 16, 2003

03 cobra if you can swing it,I just bought mine and threw a knn air filter in it and a cat back exhaust and noticed a big improvement in power and torque , and it was already fast,I couldnt wipe the smile off my face and still cant.The car is a blast to drive I love mine and highly recommend it.Its got the power that will make you say holy ****..I had a 03 gt with 373 gears full exhaust and the rest of bolt ons you could pretty much get..it ran 13.4 in the 1/4 mile and this cobra made it feel like it was slow...good luck ,,I SAY COBRA 03 ALL THE WAY!!!!

BlownVenom · Dec 17, 2003

saleen_4_me said:
I own a 98 cobra, took a 01 charged for a spin, and test drove a 03 cobra and rat bagged it You should get the 03 if it's in your budget.

lol, no offense thats a big generalization there are many blown 01s that will make an 03 (stock or slightly mod'd) feel slow, what did the one you drive have on it a non inter/aftercooled powerdyne?...

if money wasn't of concern i would say go with an 01, get internals and then slap a blower on it... lighter car that looks better (IMO)

wbpo · Dec 17, 2003

If they could only have figured out a way to keep the Italian made Aluminum block when they did the '03 it would have been the perfect car. That's right, the '01's Aluminum block motor is made in the same Italian factory as many of Ferrari’s parts are.

sleeper89 · Dec 17, 2003

i say '03 for sheezy....

FWIW even though the '03 weighs more it also has better suspension is stock trim so it handles better (stock). both are great cars but you have way more room to grow in the '03

-steve

custom2011 · Dec 17, 2003

This appears to be a pretty lopsided poll. I expected a closer split. I should probably add that this car will be a daily driver with very rare appearances at the strip and an occasional stomping of rice on the street.

I'd planned to put a set of 03 springs and shocks and maybe a set of 17x9s w/275 series tires on if I got an 01. Both cars would likely get an O/R X and new catback.

Money is not a real issue but I'm a tightwad with it.

Traveler · Dec 17, 2003

I'd imagine that the 01 with the same suspension components could very well be a better handler than the 03 Cobra. By the documented numbers out there, its already pretty close.
I've never ridden in a 03, but I can speak of my satisfaction with the 01 Cobra. Its is an outstanding daily driver as it rides and handles better on its stock suspension than any of my previous Mustangs which include a 90 GT, 94 GT, 95 Cobra and a 99 GT.

Strong power, nice gas mileage, great ride, sharp handling, comfortable interior...the 2001 is one of the most well-balanced offerings from Ford that I've experienced.

sleeper89 · Dec 17, 2003

both are extremely beautiful cars, and yes, the '01 w/'03 suspension should handle better...that being said if money isn't a big issue you should definately get the '03. you'll probably spend the price difference between the two cars just trying to get the suspension/rims/tranny upgraded on the '01 to meet '03 specs.

-steve

tfritz · Dec 17, 2003

sleeper89 said:
both are extremely beautiful cars, and yes, the '01 w/'03 suspension should handle better...that being said if money isn't a big issue you should definately get the '03. you'll probably spend the price difference between the two cars just trying to get the suspension/rims/tranny upgraded on the '01 to meet '03 specs.

-steve

Eibachs, subframe connectors and Koni yellows really made the handling of my '01 feel like I had my '99 Integra's handiling abilities again.

95GTS · Dec 17, 2003

BlownVenom said:
lol, no offense thats a big generalization there are many blown 01s that will make an 03 (stock or slightly mod'd) feel slow, what did the one you drive have on it a non inter/aftercooled powerdyne?...

if money wasn't of concern i would say go with an 01, get internals and then slap a blower on it... lighter car that looks better (IMO)

Not sure what you meant by the Powerdyne but without a doubt, I bet a Powerdyne XB-1 on a 2001 Cobra could be a monster. My old 95GTS made 470rwhp with the XB-1 while its heads/intake left a lot to be desired. I bet with full exhaust, tune, 11lbs of boost, a 2001 Cobra would be 500+rwhp with that blower.

I would say if you are going to get an 01 and supercharge it, why not go with the car that already has the internals to support the boost. Either way, forged internals and supercharger or a new 03 Cobra is going to cost bucks.

WMDPALMER · Dec 18, 2003

Go with the 03'. You get a reliable daily driver and a warranty. I have not driven either so I could just be talkin' out of my soupcan!

ttown · Dec 18, 2003

The 03 cobra hands down. The 99/01 Cobras will be making about the same HP as the 05 GT's. My Mach puts down 280RWHP/306RWTQ SAE stock, I'd consider it. They are running $25k/27k and full warranty and much lighter than the 01 Cobra.

Firme · Dec 18, 2003

wbpo said:
If they could only have figured out a way to keep the Italian made Aluminum block when they did the '03 it would have been the perfect car. That's right, the '01's Aluminum block motor is made in the same Italian factory as many of Ferrari’s parts are.

I dont think its that they couldn't figure out a way to put the Aluminum block in the 03, I just think it wasn't financially feasable. I think its that they had too choices, 1) aluminum block with cheap internals 2) iron block with bullitproof internals. Seeing as how the aluminum block is like $4,000 more than the iron block, it wasn't feazable to use bullitproof internals with it due to cost. And by factory warranty and durabillity testing standards, the cheap internals wouldn't cut it. People assume that the aluminum block is not used because its inferior for some reason, but thats not the case, especially if the sleeves are of good quality.

And yes, the illuminum block is cast by Teksid in Italy, who also cast Ferrari's F1 car's aluminum block.

As far as 03 vs. 01. The 03 starts you off with more to work with. You have a T-56 6 speed tranny that can take alot of abuse. Better halfshafts. Rims that can hold bigger tires. And, you get a built block that can easily be taken to 500rwhp and you don't have to worry about engine grenading on you due to weak internal (a bad tune will blow any engine though). And the 03 has decent suspension stock.

As far as the 01, it weighs less, it has a phenominal light alumium block and costs less. At the same time you have more money to mold it into a better, more built to preference performer. The suspension is okay, but it can be easily upgraded. I highly recommend that you spend some good time researching an excellant street setup for the suspension as opposed to slapping on the 03 stuff, because, for one, its not an 03 and has different weight characteristics, and secondly, why pay to get the stock 03 parts that are alright, when for similar pricing, you can get superiour aftermarket parts. The 01 will also be able to get to about 500 rwhp with a good tune with a blower, you just gotta check it often to make sure you're air/fuel is good, compression is holding, plugs are not slackin... etc...and after a while, save up and build the engine up.

rdmustangkid · Dec 18, 2003

All I can say 03 is the way! Plus you have warranty! If you don't care about warranty. Then there is the pulley and chip with the other goodies and you have some serious hp!

SVT Chic · Dec 19, 2003

I have an 01 and still have the factory warranty until June of 2004. I would much rather have the 03 but I don't feel like forking out the extra 7+ grand on it. If money is no issue go with the 03 otherwise the 01 will treat you good

Poll: 01 Cobra or 03 Cobra Top Choice

Would you prefer a 01 Cobra or 03 Cobra

2001 Cobra

2003 Cobra

custom2011

01MustangMan

COBRA90GT

Mustang Master

Traveler

Solid Snake

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saleen_4_me

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The Factor

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BlownVenom

wbpo

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sleeper89

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custom2011

Traveler

sleeper89

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tfritz

95GTS

WMDPALMER

ttown

Firme

rdmustangkid

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