gtstang

im not sure about this but which car has more horse power and torque? which is better for its price? which is the cheapest?

primetime5.0

well saleen has a few different models which do u want to compare to the cobra?

Mach1

Well the s281 at our dealership is on sale for 60k. I mean you buy a 35k cobra and drop like 1500 in it...

Black2003

My 2003 Cobra w/ mods can take on the S281E and I have invested only about $34,500 total.

SMOKE

There are some 03 Cobra's still running around for $29-31K.

True comments above, with $1500 invested in {pullies, exhaust, chip} the Cobra puts a lot more hp and trq down tothe street.

In terms of comparisons between the Cobra and SALEEN - got select a trim for the SALEEN. The highest trim pkg {Extreme} does hold an advantage over the Cobra in the handling arena.

Birdieman4

.
..trying to compare an 03 Cobra to a S281E Saleen is an apples to oranges comparison.
In terms of the stock handling of these 2 vehicles, the S281E has a little more than an "edge" in handling. The difference is about 3 universes apart.
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02 S281E

turboSTANGpowa

That's what I thought, too. Better handling, braking.. and doesn't the Extreme Edition have more raw power than the Cobra? It's like around 400+hp for the E and 390hp for the Cobra. So I'd say maybe the supercharged S281 would be a better battle. If there even is one. Is there a supercharged S281 besides the E model?

Birdieman4

OK, there are 3 current Saleen mustang models avalible. The S281, the S281sc, and the S281E. The S281 is a non supercharged, base model Saleen, rated at 290 hp. the S281sc is basicly the same car as the S281, but with a series 4 twin screw blower that makes 8 psi. It is rated at 375 hp. The S281E has a larger twin screw blower, as well as every Saleen option avalible, not to mention a built engine (similar to the cobra's engine, except a 2 valve). The S281E is rated at 445 hp. Yes, the S281E is WAY more car than a Cobra, but is also way more expensive. For that reason, it isn't fair to compare an S281E to a cobra. A much better comparison is a cobra to an S281sc. But still, the S281sc is quite a bit more car in the handleing department. S281sc's come with stock, GT brakes; although, as an option, 13' front brakes are avalible. With this option, the S281sc outbrakes a cobra by quite a bit. But it is an option. The S281E comes standard with 14' brakes- (which really kick ***). On a dollar to dollar comparison, the S281 is closest in price to a cobra; the S281 bases at 36K and some change. -A little more than a cobra. A little slower, but a lot more handleing and more exclusitivity. Saleens hold their value better than cobras. People seem to forget that issue a lot when comparing the 2 cars. Cobras are nice cars, but are a dime a dozen compared to Saleens.
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02 S281E

cobrakid

I keep hearing the term handling in here.. Are we talking road coarse or a straight out punch it.. Unless your looking for road coarse handling then go Saleen and pay the extra 15 grand.. OR Buy a Cobra and a few beef ups to the suspension. The Cobra had a heftier engine built to build up. The Saleen is somewhat maxed out competing with the Cobra. Go figure for yourself. 2 valve vs 4 valve. It's a no brainer.

Birdieman4

...the S281E is far from maxed out.