Mustang GT vs. Eclipse GSX

I'm looking to buy a daily driver with great performance, and these two cars seem like they might be good candidates. First off, what exactly (besides the limited production) distinguishes a cobra from a gt mustang? I mean, how hard would it be to turn a gt into a cobra performance-wise, or are they completely different engines? I honestly know very little about mustangs. I know it is hard to compare the RWD to the AWD of the eclipse, so don't worry about that. I would assume that most gt's and definitely cobras could take a GS-T eclipse without the AWD. Also, in terms of reliability, which do you think is a better car? I need something that isn't going to break down every week, and can't afford to pour money into repairs. Thanks, look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Maybe some years of cars you're thinking of would help.

I'm looking to buy a daily driver with great performance, and these two cars seem like they might be good candidates. First off, what exactly (besides the limited production) distinguishes a cobra from a gt mustang? I mean, how hard would it be to turn a gt into a cobra performance-wise, or are they completely different engines? I honestly know very little about mustangs. I know it is hard to compare the RWD to the AWD of the eclipse, so don't worry about that. I would assume that most gt's and definitely cobras could take a GS-T eclipse without the AWD. Also, in terms of reliability, which do you think is a better car? I need something that isn't going to break down every week, and can't afford to pour money into repairs. Thanks, look forward to hearing your thoughts.


Well I will try an answer as best as possible because well it was already posted that more detail would be nice.

I'm going to assume 87-93 Fox Bodies vs. 90-94 DSM.

In the years in question the Cobra was only produced in 93. Some of the main differences that I can remember is the 93 Cobra had GT-40 iron's (heads), Cobra intake, slightly bigger TB and slightly bigger MAF. Anyone step in to correct me please. They are the same 5.0/302 engine, though.

It's really not hard to compare the RWD to the AWD. A RWD car with proper suspension work could probably launch just as well as any AWD out there, in my opinion. I would assume most GT's/5.0's of these years could take most 1st gen. DSM's.

Now it sounds like you think the AWD makes the GSX that much faster then the GST. Granted the GSX will out launch the GST, but I would be shocked if there is more then .1 difference in 1/4 mile. This of course with the cars mods being equal. The reason this is is the AWD weighs ALOT more, a GST is probably a tad faster from a roll then the GSX. Less weight to move, understand?

Reliability in my opinion HAS to go to the Mustang. I've heard horror stories of DSM's problems. Plus, I had a couple friends with turbo DSM's and they were never ending problem. But if money/reliablity wasn't an issue, either car would be great.

I would also post this question in the DSM area of this site, so you can get both sides. Although, I have tried to make my opinions as unbiased as possible. Good Luck!


Matt

Thanks Matt...sorry about the lack of info on the post, I wasn't thinking. I was actually referring to the 5.0 94 Cobras and the 2g 95-99 GSX or GST Eclipses. My bad about that. Any additional insights considering the new criteria would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks Matt...sorry about the lack of info on the post, I wasn't thinking. I was actually referring to the 5.0 94 Cobras and the 2g 95-99 GSX or GST Eclipses. My bad about that. Any additional insights considering the new criteria would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I stand by my original statements!! :iceslolan haha

But on second though, engine-wise I think the 2nd gen's got a different turbo. 1st Gen had Tb04 I believe and 2nd gen's had T-25.

Matt

the 2nd gen DSM's had a common engine problem known as crank walk. If you research the DSM's more you should come across it.

yea, I already know somewhat about crankwalk, but the cars i'm looking at have high enough mileage that cw would have already occurred (80k or so). as far as mustang gt vs. cobra, what are the major differences? I've seen 1995 cobras in my area for about 8k with around 70k miles.

I just sold mine for 10.5k. It had 240hp 285tq. the gt had only 215hp. The Cobra comes with a different front fascia, gauges, wheels, etc...

I just sold mine for 10.5k with 56,000 miles. It had 240hp 285tq. the gt had only 215hp. The Cobra comes with a different front fascia, gauges, wheels, etc...

Cobra & GT...differences......Cobra: dual OH cams, Aluminum block, Bigger heads/Pistions..etc....365-385 HP..I think...lol
GT: single Cam, smaller heads/ cyls. approx. 245+HP

I know nothing about "Imports".......

If you get the Eclipse, you will eventually be underpowered and unhappy.

If you get a mustang (cobra prefered or a GT) you will be happy!

Warning! Warning! The mustang will hypnotise you into "modding it" and spending good $, but returning the favor by gaining you massave HP and Fun!!!!

Cobras were offered in both the new coupe body style as well as the re-designed convertible (including the super-rare removable hardtop option). Refinements to the SVT philosophy continued, and output of the 1994-’95 5.0-liter V-8s was rated at 240 horsepower.

Cobra's from 96-98 were at 305 HP.

99 - 2002 Cobra's were at 320 HP.

2003-2004 Cobra's are rated at 390 HP (though this is underrated)

GT's were rated at 215 HP from '94-'98, then went to 260 HP in '99 where they are now.

Cobra & GT...differences......Cobra: dual OH cams, Aluminum block, Bigger heads/Pistions..etc....365-385 HP..I think...lol
GT: single Cam, smaller heads/ cyls. approx. 245+HP

I know nothing about "Imports".......

If you get the Eclipse, you will eventually be underpowered and unhappy.

If you get a mustang (cobra prefered or a GT) you will be happy!

Warning! Warning! The mustang will hypnotise you into "modding it" and spending good $, but returning the favor by gaining you massave HP and Fun!!!!
I must disagree with the underpowered and un happy line but I loved your warning lol. Id say take both out for drive and then make up your mind. Id take the stang DSM are know to be a pain to upkeep.

yes what everyone elese said. Besides you have the GT/cobra in one hand. very nice looking car, very ez to mod, accually relativly cheap to mod. Backed up with all the tradition and heritage that comes with a mustang.

Then you have a DSM... yea its fast but IMO looks to girly/rice for my taste, more cramped than a mustang,sounds like rice no matter what you do, and expensive as hell. Thats just my view on the car. Don't get me wrong, they do perform and I respect them alot more than most other performance imports (Its funny to call them imports since I live about 25 Min from the Diamondstar plant :screwy: .) Thats my view on it

Andy

I would say stay away from any mustang cobra unless its an 03 or newer, for the fact that ford lied about the hp rating. Simply by buying a gt, and saving a few grand, you could easily put on a vortech S/C and put a wooping on the cobras.

As far as the DMS's go, I have mixed emotions. Yes they are REALLY girly and a pain in the ass to work on, but they can be made into really quick cars. "simply" by getting a new turbo(relatively cheap), new intercooler, upgrading the fuel system, and adding a boost controller, you lookin at atleast a 12 second, and a demon on the highway. If you do decide to go dsm, stay away from the AWD as their transfer cases are horrible.

When it comes down to it, with either a stang or dms, with about 5 grand you can have an extremely fast car.

Pros of mustang: low priced, v8 power, TORQUE(something ricers dont know anything about with their 300hp turbo honda with 180ft/lb of torque that runs 15's haha), cheap mods.

Cons of mustang: "just another mustang", shitty handling

Pros of the dsm: turbo models take well to mods, good handling

Cons of dms: relatively expensive for year and mileage, girly, known for bad trannies... and girly.

If anyone else has anything to say feel free, even if it contradicts me i understand, all these things are my opinion.

Cobra's from 96-98 were at 305 HP.

99 - 2002 Cobra's were at 320 HP.

2003-2004 Cobra's are rated at 390 HP (though this is underrated)

GT's were rated at 215 HP from '94-'98, then went to 260 HP in '99 where they are now.

98's had 225hp. And the TQ ratings were higher in 94-95. Then in 96-98.


Matt

I would say stay away from any mustang cobra unless its an 03 or newer, for the fact that ford lied about the hp rating.

Well your information is a LITTLE off there. The ONLY year that happened was in 99. So that definately does not go for all year Cobra's.

As far as the DMS's go, I have mixed emotions. Yes they are REALLY girly and a pain in the ass to work on, but they can be made into really quick cars. "simply" by getting a new turbo(relatively cheap), new intercooler, upgrading the fuel system, and adding a boost controller, you lookin at atleast a 12 second, and a demon on the highway. If you do decide to go dsm, stay away from the AWD as their transfer cases are horrible.

You know, that's all nice, but it's easier to make most Mustangs go 12's then having to do all of that to make a DSM go 12's.


Cons of mustang: "just another mustang", shitty handling.

Well I disagree there! It's amazing what suspension work can do. I know a couple people who auto X their Mustangs.[/QUOTE]

Matt

Cobra's are not overrated by Ford. One year the had a pre-production/post production fuck-up which the fixed for free and now every Ford car ever made is overrated by Ford..... :rofl:

matts50 says that it would take less work to make a stang do 12s. What exactly would be involved in making a 94-95 cobra do 12s? What about for a 96+ gt? And how much $ are we talking about?

Well the trickflow heads claim 74hp on a 95 Cobra with their heads and matching cam $1300 not-installed. So thats 314hp appox. Add full exhaust for what $600-$800. Rearend gears so the car hits the powerband faster for about $500 or less installed. Then a N20 kit for $600-$800 100 shot. At this point a new clutch to handle the power for $600-$700 installed. A new mass airflow sensor, throttle body, and fuel pump would be good to get at this point and dyno-tuned the whole package. So in the end $6000 to $7000 is my guessimate for a reliable daily driver that could probably see 12's. you guys with all the exiperence can get a better setup than this. Suspension is important to get good 60ft times. The blower route is also available.

Buy a F-Body :iceslolan

mustangs are sweet, but i wouldn't get a 5.0 unless you plan on buying aftermarket parts, which there are a lot of and cheap, stock they are kinda slow..14.8-low 15's, but the eclipses and talons were just as fast in AWD and fwd.. not much of a difference because the gsx weighs more.. Both are great cars to mod and make fast cause they are both easy to get parts for...As for the sohc 4.6 GT's i think they would beat a gsx pretty good cause they are like mid to high 14's stock. As for a Dohc 4.6 Cobra, theres no competition, the cobra will destroy the gsx.. I know first hand.. raced one last week. If you get the eclipse go for a gsx cause when you start putting down serious power you won't have as much problems with traction. I know a kid with 350fwhp in his gs-t and he can't get the power down at all..

I've ridden in both a 5.0 Mustang GT with 3.73 gears and a 1st gen. Eclipse GSX with a boost controller to push more turbo power. In the Mustang GT, when the driver floored it, I almost went through the back of the seat. The GSX didn't feel nearly as torquey, but it got a better launch, and it didn't feel like it was going to fly off the road at high speeds. Performance-wise, I'd say the cars are about equal, and they can both be made into much faster cars very cheaply. Neither car is very reliable, but I'd say the 5.0 is a little more so. I'm not gonna comment on the looks or sounds of each car, since that depends on your opinion, not mine. :)

So basically, they are both good cars. I wouldn't expect either to last you more than six or seven years, but they're cheap and fun. The GT probably has a slight edge in drag racing, while the GSX has a slight edge on the track.

"Well the trickflow heads claim 74hp on a 95 Cobra with their heads and matching cam $1300 not-installed. So thats 314hp appox. Add full exhaust for what $600-$800. Rearend gears so the car hits the powerband faster for about $500 or less installed. Then a N20 kit for $600-$800 100 shot. At this point a new clutch to handle the power for $600-$700 installed. A new mass airflow sensor, throttle body, and fuel pump would be good to get at this point and dyno-tuned the whole package. So in the end $6000 to $7000 is my guessimate for a reliable daily driver that could probably see 12's. you guys with all the exiperence can get a better setup than this. Suspension is important to get good 60ft times. The blower route is also available."

6-7k to hit 12's .....

2g AWD DSM

Big 16 w/ported manifold and o2 housing - 1600
Full Exhaust 3" no rice - 800
All fuel and ignition systems - 400
FMIC with piping - 700
ACT clutch and for good measure 264/272 cams - 1200

totals = 4700 ... low 12's if not high 11's with no N20. (Tuning is a bitch but its free until your dyno time.. if you can find a awd dyno that is)
HP - ??? 1/4 time says what matters.

i would choose the cobra over the gsx but gsx are still good my friend has one exaust on it and its a really good car

Cobra!