Cars That Compare

[formerfordguy]

Looking for something with a back seat that will run with (away!) from a 350Z?

Check out the 2003 Ford Mustang Cobra. 390HP / 390lb/ft. IRS, big Brembos, 6sp, awesome sound system -- and all at the same price as the 350Z Track Model.

I just saw the review of the Track Z in Car and Driver. Impressive, but with a list price of $34,500+ it's right there with the Cobra. It's tough to pass up an extra 100 hp for the same price.

I've a 350Z on order (#8 in Indy), but if I had the extra 7K, I'd be at the Ford dealer.

[zane11]

Man i no i must soubnd like i really hate american cars but its FORD and that could never be a everyday used car like a z

[merc50]

And why could you not use it every day? I know plenty of people who drive Lightnings everyday with no problems. I know lots of guys who drive SC and Turbo stangs also everyday. You loose on that one.

[zane11]

No way i no a guy who went a ford dealer and looked at a mustang cobra and he said himself its not an everyday. The fird dealership sai d that

[SpyVO]

OK, so people are buying them to look at? Dude, you lost me. Why would you buy a car to NOT drive it? And what's the difference between the new Cobra and the older ones in terms of driveability? Now you're just trying to shoot it down. It's a lot easier than just admitting that it's an amazing car, isn't it?

[merc50]

You are full of nonesense. You think Ford built that car to only be used on weekends? If that was so they never would have brought it out...they have to do the warrenty stuff on it. With that in mind you think they would put out a car that could not be driven everyday. Do you realize how many they will sell? You just lost any kind of credibility that you know what you are talking about with most people who will read this. No hard feelings, but I am done on this.

[zane11]

I no its an awsome car faster than vettes for cheaper. I'm just simply stating what a FORD salesperson said.

You buy that cobra and you buy 350Z or s2000 annything like that drive them for like 10 years come back and conpare them. I think you'll have your answer

Sorry if im coming off the wrong way. American cars are much much better than they used to be but i still think it will not last as long.

And yes they are all GREAT cars.

[malibubong]

Originally posted by wingsofwar

Oh wait! why dont you think about the Subaru Impreza WRX STI iv seen alot here in seattle. So probably the model is out now in special order. Might wana check it out. only around $30,000..somewere around there..The Lancer Evolution VII is also making an apperance in the states..not to be confused with Lancer. Check it out.. [/b]

Yeah, go with the WRX. Despite turbo lag up to 4000 rpm's, you get a $25,000 car with a big back seat. I will have to say that the interior isn't impressive but 4 doors, fast, not considered a sports car (but really should be with a 0-60 in 5.4 and 1/4mile 14.1, same as the 350Z) answers your question. If your hung up on the 260 hp, and not looking for a "sports car" better start looking for a used late model Mercedes or BMW.

One,

HHH

[malibubong]

Originally posted by formerfordguy
Looking for something with a back seat that will run with (away!) from a 350Z?

Check out the 2003 Ford Mustang Cobra. 390HP / 390lb/ft. IRS, big Brembos, 6sp, awesome sound system -- and all at the same price as the 350Z Track Model.

I just saw the review of the Track Z in Car and Driver. Impressive, but with a list price of $34,500+ it's right there with the Cobra. It's tough to pass up an extra 100 hp for the same price.

I've a 350Z on order (#8 in Indy), but if I had the extra 7K, I'd be at the Ford dealer.

a track model 350Z and a base model 350Z, performance wise, are essentially the same 287hp car. with $7000 i could get a Honda Civic Si to run with a Cobra, let alone a 350Z (a turbocharger will put that Z at around 350hp). Futhermore, brembos and a sound system, that may or may not be as good as the standard stereo in the Z, arent worth $7000. Do you really think $7000 couldnt get 100hp in the Z?

[SpyVO]

But now you're talking 'could's. You'll still have the warranty with the Cobra, and you can imagine the possible teething problems you may have with modifying the Si to that level. And in the end, you're still driving a Honda Civic. I mean, if you really wanted to, you could do the same thing with an SVT Focus, a Nissan Sentra, or even a Kia Sephia!! I'd still take the Cobra.

[merc50]

I do not care what a mag says. I thought about the WRX, I drove it, I know people with them, and they show up to the tracks all the time. 14.1 is not the norm or average for them. You are once again taking a cool car and pumping it up to the extreme. One jumped me off the line but I passed him real quick on the street. They launch good and then the 4 shows, pure and simple. What is it with you, too much "The Fast and the Furious?" Hey, and I have been killed by tuned imports...so I am not running around saying it can't be done, but come on dude/

[formerfordguy]

Originally posted by malibubong


a track model 350Z and a base model 350Z, performance wise, are essentially the same 287hp car. with $7000 i could get a Honda Civic Si to run with a Cobra, let alone a 350Z (a turbocharger will put that Z at around 350hp). Futhermore, brembos and a sound system, that may or may not be as good as the standard stereo in the Z, arent worth $7000. Do you really think $7000 couldnt get 100hp in the Z?

Yeah, but now you're not comparing similar cars. It's always tempting to play the "what if" game. So, instead of a base 350Z, what if I take a base Mustang GT and spend $7000 on it? The Mustang aftermarket is huge -- I can have damn close to 400 HP with a blower and still have a ton of money to dump into brakes, etc.

My point was, that dollar for dollar, the higher end Z's lose some of their value advantage.

[merc50]

I do have to admit that if and or when the STI or EVO VIII hit the US we are going to have a whole new mess to deal with. Z's, F bodies, and stangs all better watch out.

Of course, if the EVO, WRX, and a GT R all started selling real well in the US it would be a good thing...the American companies would finally kick it into high gear (I hope) and Nissan woud get a turbo out quicker than the rumored 2 years. Problem is the cost of these halo cars.

I also just built two Z's online...the track was $34,945.00, the touring 34,544...those would be the two I would look at. I would probably go tour with the leather and all...better resale loaded. The track would be fun. Bad part is that it Cobra range and more than a Mach 1 big time. I would never use the track car (just like it) so it would be a waste for me. Man, I like that orange color.

[Pennzoil GT-R]

I do have to admit that if and or when the STI or EVO VIII hit the US we are going to have a whole new mess to deal with. Z's, F bodies, and stangs all better watch out.

Damn, i thought when you guys said Imprezas you meant all the STi's, RB5's etc. I didnt know you only got the standard WRX. You really had better watch out if you start getting stuff like the old P1's and 22B's (Type R in Japan). Those things make Ferrari drivers look stupid.

Do you get the Special Evo's like the Tommi Makinen, Extreme, RS editions etc.???

[merc50]

Nope.

We have a standard WRX right now...turbo, nice car, not the killer people claim it to be (keep in mind Im still in Amercian street race mucking about or 1/4 mile track time mode).

The Lancer is just a Lancer, no EVO at all.

No Skyline (I wish)

Most import cars to the US are detuned and sorta weak. I know STI's, EVO's, and so on would wipe me on the street stock. This other stuff will not.

I still think for what I have been talking about the Z and Stang GT are gonna be close and the F bodies will walk them both flat out. I still give the nod to the stang in most cases. The new Mach is a different beast though.

I wish we would get the monster halo cars of Japan, it would kick us into hight gear.

It is going to be interesting how that new Neon hot rod comes out...the Dodge boys in the US have said the goal of the company is to offer a car in every class that out performs all others etc etc. The first thing comming is a V 10 Viper motered Dodge pickup to fight the Lightning. They have a hot little 4 banger Neon on the way that could (will it, who knows) be a threat to the WRX STI guys.