I know it's blasphemy to talk about this on this board, but I had an offer I'm having trouble turning down. I know a guy with an '03 SVT Cobra R Mustang (pic)



I know it's not as attractive as the MINI, doesn't have the same "curb-appeal", and won't handle half as well, but it's got 390 freaking horsepower, and 390 lb/ft too. It'd be a 1-1 trade between my red '03 Cooper S and his low-miles, slightly tuned Stang. It's probably putting out about 415 hp right now.

What are your guys thoughts? It's hard to argue with 4.5 secs to 60 and RWD

I know it's apples to oranges comparing a drag racer to a corner eater like the MINI, but I wanted to hear your guys' opinions.


I love the MINI, and think it's probably more fun than the Mustang in the long run, but the Cobra is so tempting.. Damn my friend for putting me in this position! :evil: :evil:

Help guys!

 

EEEEEEWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!....DO YOU HAVE A MULLET TOO?...Mustangs are hideous....I guess if I was living in Kentucky or West Virginia it would be alright....Excuse me I need to go and throw up again.....EEEWWW!!!!

 

Depends on what you want to do..I have an '03 Cobra and love it for the straight line. Take the stock Cobra, add a set of gears, an air filter and a cat back exhaust and run mid 11's all day long. Thats the only reason I bought it. And, with a million Mustangs running around, you can actually be fairly stealthy zooming around town. Hard to do that in a MC....people tend to notice MC a hell of a lot more than a Mustang.

Mustangs, Camaros, and Hondas are like belly buttons...everybody has one!



Travis

 

Your friend with the '03 SVT Cobra R Mustang has good judgment! He knows that your ’03 MCS has more curb appeal, much better handling, and is far more fun to drive. The Ford only has two things going for it: you can beat most cars away from a stoplight, and you can spend lots more money for gasoline (and this will keep you from wasting it on foolish things like stuff for your MINI or beer)!

 

No replacement for displacement.. Plenty of folks like the Mustangs that do not fit above descriptions, so I assume you are kidding...

Do what moves you...SVT is no slouch.

 

I wonder how many Cobra SVT Mustangs are out there compared to the number of MCS's? Curb appeal aside, it may be more unique....

 

Also, if you need warranty work, there are a lot more Ford dealers than MINI dealers. And after reading some of the horror stories on here about how some MINI dealers treat their customers...well, lets just say I think some of the Ford dealers could teach MINI dealers a few things or two.

T

 

Thats a tough one. The Cobra is no slouch. I've seen very quick Mustang GT's and Cobras at the autocross. I would drive the 2 back to back and see which one puts the bigger smile on your face.

 

Get the SVT and enjoy some good ol' American muscle! Each car has something different to appreciate.

(And you won't have to put up with any more prima donna MINI dealers!)

 

I dunno I'd wait for teh 05 they are sexy and will have soem more of that curb appeal.. that i unless fod dumps 10 milion of them on the streets..

 

1. gas mileage
2. INSURANCE
3. boring
4. do you live where there is snow, and do you have another vehicle (RWD+SNOW=sickday)
5. do you live in Salt Lake where the roads are all laid out on a grid?
6. interior sucks
7. INSURANCE
8. INSURANCE
9. Are you nuts?
10.INSURANCE

 

Go with your gut feeling. You got it right. The stang has the speed and the MINI chews up the corners. But think about this....No JCW MINI or any performance modded MINI will ever be as fast as the Mustang if you are really into high performance.

 

Well, I was a Mustang owner before I ordered the Mini. I happen to love Mustangs. The 2003 Cobras are actually putting out closer to 420 horsepower...a lot more than what Ford was advertising. And just so you know, the 2003 Cobra you are referring to isnt a "Cobra R". The last Cobra R was made in 2001, with older versions in 1995 and 1993.

 

Mustang? Ask if it comes with a spare transmission...

The entire car torques up like a pimple ready to pop when you stand on it. Some people like that sort of thing though. It's your car, do what you will.

 

I want my next car to be all about brute force. If I was in your shoes a few years down the road I would probably do it. You can always get another MINI if you get bored.

Just be sure to check market values so you know you aren't getting taken.

http://www.edmunds.com
http://www.kbb.com
http://www.traderonline.com

 

It looks like a nice car, but IMO your friend is the one who is making out from the deal. He's getting your 2003 S. I know the ford is blisteringly fast, but that's it. The build quality isn't as good, and your leaving behind that cool MINI marketing and fun. Ford's catch slogan is "Have you looked at Ford lately?" How fun is that? If you really must have that ford though, go for it. I'm a just telling my opinions.

 

Id rather have the Cobra. 400 horsepower would be too hard for me to pass up. And with about 2 grand in mods, youre gonna have 500 horsepower. I say go for it.

 

i'd take that cobra in a heartbeat..... Supercharged American v-8.... that cobra is damn sexy. BUT, i would wait until 2005 or 2006 when they release the next generation cobra and then buy one of those off the lot... i don't care what everyone else says, i had a Mustang for a few years, with NO problems. NONE. This mini's been in the shop more times than i can count, I wish i still had my Mustang.

 

Let me predicate this by saying that I turned down an even swap of my '03 MCS for a '01 S2000.

1) assess your vehicle needs.
2) take a cold, hard look at what the vehicle does best / worst.
3) weigh your needs against vehicle capabilities without letting emotion get in the way.
4) stick by your decision, and never look back.

IMO, a '03 'Stang will soon plummet in value ('05 re-do). While they are a blast on the strip, their performance in the snow / rain is abysmal. Interior space is poorly utilized, a MINI has more useful space. But that V-8 is sweet (no emotions).

 

If it's such a great car then why is he getting rid of it?

If you want an inelegant hammer get the Rustang. If you want a fine instrument, keep the Mini.

If you buy the mustang, be sure to buy the Billy Bob teeth and matching mullet:

http://www.faketeeth.net/Detail.bok?&no=38

-J

 

What do you mean "getting rid of it"? Theyre simply redoing the model line. The Mustang has been on the same platform since 1994, I think now is a good time to freshen it up.

And by the way, Motor Trend has the Cobra pulling 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. And our beloved Mini S pulls in a blistering 7.1. I still probably wouldnt trade my Mini for a Cobra since Ive already had one, but depending on what kind of car enthusiast you are, the Cobras just slaughter the Minis in every category. I love the handling of the Cooper, and its definatly faster through the corners than a Cobra. But most drivers never get to experience an autocross situation, and they want the car thats gonna get them from stoplight to stoplight the fastest.

All in all...I love the Mini

But do what makes ya happy.

 

>>I know it's blasphemy to talk about this on this board, but I had an offer I'm having trouble turning down. I know a guy with an '03 SVT Cobra R Mustang (pic)
>>
>> :evil: :evil:

 

>>Theyre simply redoing the model line. The Mustang has been on the same platform since 1994, I think now is a good time to freshen it up.
>>

ACTUALLY.... try earlier than that, they've been using the Fox Chassis since the death of the Mustang II. They never really changed the platform for the SN95.

 

>>>>Theyre simply redoing the model line. The Mustang has been on the same platform since 1994, I think now is a good time to freshen it up.
>>>>
>>
>>ACTUALLY.... try earlier than that, they've been using the Fox Chassis since the death of the Mustang II. They never really changed the platform for the SN95.

The current Mustang is a car that rides on a modern body but with a 1970's chassis....'nuff said.

 

Then they must be doing something right.