landsteam

I was thinking about getting a 98 Cobra. Can others tell me there experience with this model and year. Is it much better to spend the extra cash for a 99 or newer? Is the Independent Rear worth the extra money? I am not going to race I just like the look of the Cobra over the GT.

hotrod7687

I've never owned a cobra and have limited experience with them, but ill tell you what i know about the differences between the years.

96-98: Approx 305 hp, these models still have the traditional plug wires. These have solid rear axles. I personally like this body style over the 99-04 models. The 4.6 4 valve motors respond way better to mods than the 2 valves in the GT's.

99-02: In 99 the hp numbers were overrated from the factory, and they had to be recalled so that they could be made to reach the advertised hp numbers, which was 320. These have the coil over plug ignition setup.No cobras were made in '00 so ford could review the hp problems that occurred with the 99's. The 99-02's did get the IRS rear, which makes them handle much better on the road but launching is harder and wheel hop is also a big problem.

03-04: Also called terminators. These were the bad boys. 390 hp stock and that was underrated from the factory. Most were making close to that at the wheels. They got a supercharger that raised the HP numbers. With a few bolt on's these cars can make well over 400 HP at the wheels. These also have the IRS suspension.

I hope that helps some. If not,I just raised my post count by 1

BraMas

+1 on what hotrod said. It's all gonna come down to which body style do you like more. I say the IRS is definitely worth it but like you I'm not into straight line racing I would rather have a car that handles great in the curves. I would go for the new edge Cobra over the 98

cease4

I own a 99 cobra and it handles great thanks to the IRS but its pretty much up to u...

AlabamaCobra

i own a 99 cobra, tach it up and pop the clutch and wheel hop is very noticeable. That is pretty much the only con i can think of...its a badass car.