[Burnt]

I was wondering how these two cars compare. I'm not talking about stock vs stock, because of course the Cobra would win. I'm trying to factor in everything,

• Exterior/looks
• Interior
• Transmission
• Suspension
• Aftermarket potential/Price of parts
• Reliability
• Overall price

Here's how I'd rate them based on what I know(isnt much, so dont flame me!)
Exterior - Cobra looks better stock. New edge GT's are everywhere so they dont impress me unless modified
Interior - New edge. Simply newer, better technology
Tranny - No idea.. I'd assume the Cobra
Suspension - Cobra most likely.
Aftermarket potential/price - Not sure, and this is where I need help most in making a decision. I'm assuming the Cobra has higher potential since it is a dohc 4v, but I'm also thinking it costs a ton to modify.
Reliability - No idea.
Overall price - They seem to be in the same price range, but with the Cobras normally having much more miles on them.

I'm new to the whole mustang thing(in the market for one) and I have much to learn about them, so thanks to anyone that can provide some insight on this comparison.

[MustangGT06]

Cobra would look better, perform better, and respond to mods better.

[noslow5.0]

Im going to stick with the 96 to 98 cobra, i think they are a all around better car imo.

[copermn]

I think the cobra is better. But I like the New Edge body style a lot more. So I would go with the 99-04 GT because of that mainly and I could modify it later on if I want. Plus the risk of something tryin to steal the car would go down if there arent Cobra badges on it. DOn't get me wrong I love Cobras. I think theyre badass.

[DickH]

If you are in the market get the cobra, if your budget can cover it, check out a mach1.

[JC316]

I say Cobra. I like the SN95 looks way better than the New edge. Mods, the 4V will respond way better, especially for boost. The 4V is more expensive to modify, but not a whole lot IMO. The interiors are almost the same, the only real difference is the console, both have horribly shitty cup holder placement.

[04MachOne]

Originally Posted by JC316 I say Cobra. I like the SN95 looks way better than the New edge. Mods, the 4V will respond way better, especially for boost. The 4V is more expensive to modify, but not a whole lot IMO. The interiors are almost the same, the only real difference is the console, both have horribly shitty cup holder placement.

Not really. Unless were talking beyond bolt ons then I have no idea but bolt ons are about the same price for 4v and 2vs.

I say cobra cause that body style cobra is absolutely gorgeous plus it's faster than a bolt on GT.

[BCP]

Originally Posted by noslow5.0 Im going to stick with the 96 to 98 cobra, i think they are a all around better car imo.

x2. I would definitely go with the 96-98 Cobra, but most likely a 97 Cobra. The 96 had a cooling issue, and the 98 was sort of a bastard year with parts from newer models found here and there.

[97_4V_Sleepa]

From someone who owns both, Go with the 96-98 Cobra. I love them both, but my 97 is a beast and whereas my 02 gt is more of a lethargic daily driver. look at it this way, 2 more valves per cylinder = better performance gains from the typical bolt-ons. plus if you really like the seats better in the 99-up cars, go get a set, they interchange.

[Burnt]

Thanks a lot for your input guys. I need to know how reliable these SN95 II Cobras are. There's a 96 cobra here for sale for $6,900. The car is in great condition, but it has 132k miles on it. If I ended up with it, I wouldn't dog the hell out of it, but I would have some fun every now and then. Would it last?

[crossfire876]

Originally Posted by BCP x2. I would definitely go with the 96-98 Cobra, but most likely a 97 Cobra. The 96 had a cooling issue, and the 98 was sort of a bastard year with parts from newer models found here and there.

^^ What he said^^
My 96 cobra cost me a little under a grand to upgrade the fans and all to keep it from overheating. But no matter what, there were only around 28,000 cobras made from 96-98, no matter what year you pick up you're one of the few that have them.

Much less have them in good road condition.

Cobra's Produced 96-98
Year Model Production
1996 Coupe 7,493
Convertible 2,510
Total 10,003

1997 Coupe 6,961
Convertible 3,088
Total 10,049

1998 Coupe 5,174
Convertible 3,480
Total 8,654

Total 28,706

[crossfire876]

Originally Posted by 97_4V_Sleepa From someone who owns both, Go with the 96-98 Cobra. I love them both, but my 97 is a beast and whereas my 02 gt is more of a lethargic daily driver. look at it this way, 2 more valves per cylinder = better performance gains from the typical bolt-ons. plus if you really like the seats better in the 99-up cars, go get a set, they interchange.

The guy that had my cobra first put the '07 mustang seats in it. The head rests create a bigger blind spot then louvers ever could.

[97mustanggt]

96-98 cobras cuz they are sexi

[Burnt]

Anyone care to answer my question?

[ReverendDexter]

Originally Posted by Burnt Anyone care to answer my question?

No, because price, mileage, and a vague description of condition aren't nearly enough to say if a car is gonna last. 132K is a LOT of time for DPOs to have abused the crap out of it both actively and through neglect, and just happens to look clean because someone spent $400 to get it detailed. Or, it could've had an enthusiast owner that took extra special care of it, and be in better shape than most of the 60k examples running around.

To the original question, the Cobra isn't as different as you probably think. The only real differences are the motor (all aluminum DOHC vs iron-block SOHC), the brakes, and the aesthetics.

In terms of modding, there is MUCH more aftermarket for 2v motors than 4v motors. Just look at intake manifolds - I don't know of a single aftermarket intake manifold for a 4v that doesn't come under a supercharger or isn't made of sheet metal. Cams will cost you over $1k just for parts. Heads? There's some ported stockers floating around out there, but no true aftermarket units. Bolt ons *might* get you to 320 rwhp, but for anything beyond that you're really looking at boost.

[dcook_14]

Like rev said the aftermarket for the 2v is going to be a lot better.

I'd get the new edge just because the earlier cars are ugly

[97_4V_Sleepa]

Originally Posted by crossfire876 The guy that had my cobra first put the '07 mustang seats in it. The head rests create a bigger blind spot then louvers ever could.

Yeah I have seen that before and the statement is true. however i was referring to the 99-04 seats that don't hide a Peterbuilt. The '03 Cobra seats are amazing to sit on, but they are heavy as hell. I should have been more specific

[Burnt]

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter To the original question, the Cobra isn't as different as you probably think. The only real differences are the motor (all aluminum DOHC vs iron-block SOHC), the brakes, and the aesthetics. In terms of modding, there is MUCH more aftermarket for 2v motors than 4v motors. Just look at intake manifolds - I don't know of a single aftermarket intake manifold for a 4v that doesn't come under a supercharger or isn't made of sheet metal. Cams will cost you over $1k just for parts. Heads? There's some ported stockers floating around out there, but no true aftermarket units. Bolt ons *might* get you to 320 rwhp, but for anything beyond that you're really looking at boost.

There's more parts out for the 2v's I understand now. But, the 4v responds much better from what I'm reading. Getting anywhere past 300 with bolt ons is impressive and enough for me to be happy with for a while, and I know there aren't any 2vs making 300 with bolt ons. With the 2v it normally takes bolt-ons+cam+tune to make near 300, correct me if im wrong.

I see your points, but how are the New Edge GT's better again?

[mpe331lx]

Looks are a matter of oppinion (new edge vs sn95), so that really doesn't matter.. As for performance, Stock vs stock they are close performers with the edge going to the cobra.

Full bolt ons , gears, and sticky tires and the cobra will DESTROY the GT.


You really do not need aftermarket intakes or heads when the stock 4v stuff works. If you decide you want to build the 4v for N/A performance, its hard to beat a set of ported 03-05 4v heads, a ported short runner mach1 intake, with a healthy set of cams. There have been many N/A 4v cars hitting 10's with that combo.

[Blown284]

Originally Posted by Burnt There's more parts out for the 2v's I understand now. But, the 4v responds much better from what I'm reading. Getting anywhere past 300 with bolt ons is impressive and enough for me to be happy with for a while, and I know there aren't any 2vs making 300 with bolt ons. With the 2v it normally takes bolt-ons+cam+tune to make near 300, correct me if im wrong. I see your points, but how are the New Edge GT's better again?

Reliability wise I think they're great, of course I'm lucky to only have 87k miles on a 97 Cobra, and 36k miles on my build. This is the third Mustang I have owned (2nd Cobra) and the only huge repair I've made is a new bottom end in the current one because I was running 14lbs of boost on the stock bottom end and shit started flyin out the side . Other than that they've been great to me. As for parts they are correct when saying its harder to find aftermarket parts for a 4v. I'm may be doing cams soon (if I don't sell my Cobra) and I'm shocked at what it's gonna cost me just in parts!!!

I used to like to new edge looks better, but I swear to God this body style will grow on you fast! 132K miles and how many owners? and Keep in mind not only is it high mileage but its 14 years old.