whats up, gents? I've been lurking on this board for a long time, and up until a few days ago, was totally convinced that I wanted to buy an 03 L after I graduate from college this may. But then I test drove an 03 cobra the other day, and now im not sure. they both have their good points and bad points, and I cant decide what I really want! For me, the manual transmission cobra was a little more fun to drive than the L. Also, from what I gather here and on the cobra message boards, the cobra has fewer reliability problems than the lightning. On the other hand, I like the look of the lightning a LOT more, and I like the idea of owning a truck that can put most sports cars on the road to shame. To me, the cobra just doesnt seem like as much of a head turner as the lightning. Also, I imagine that insurance on an 03 cobra for a 22 year old single college grad is pretty outrageous. So basically, im just looking for some input from you guys right now. I know that this is a lightning board, so most responses will probably be in favor of the L, but if you were me, what factors would you consider most to make the decision? Any input from guys who have owned/driven both?

 

well if you want speed -2000lb with a couple of broken half shafts, then the cobra is the way to go. otherwise i love the look of the lightning better, its just cooler in my opinion, plus it can woop up on just about anything out there anyways

 

just to let you know i am a lightning owner, this is for a couple of reasons. 1.) i fit in it better and 2.) it get's a lot more head turning than a mustang [ my father owns a 03 cabra] and 3.) i wanted a super charger and i got a 2000 with 40000 for 21000 with a clean car facts report that's 1500 below trade in!
BTW on another note i am only 21 and i pay 120 a month for full coverage i dont even want to tell you what it was on the cobra but i could have made a small car payment with it
hope this helps

 

first of all i am a lightning owner and ive had no problems but without a doubt i would go with an 03 cobra you can chip pulley intake and be in the high 11's without worries

 

I agree with ya 1000% but at 6'3" and 260 pounds i can't fit comfortably enough to justify it
on another note i was watching an episone of hot rod tv a few months agao and there was a team whom i can't rember that was running high 10's with a chip, 2lb upper,an intake and full exhaust with long tube headders, and with a solid rear trans plant wich is very impressive

 

do you want to go fast and drive something unique, or want to go really fast and drive a mustang, which everyone and their mother has? the cobra looks good and can be super fast, but think about it driving a car that runs 11's on the street is not for everybody, sure it sounds cool to talk about having a 11 sec daily driver but where are you ever going to drive that fast? the lightning is fast and usefull, the only draw back is paying $2 bucks a gallon every two days.

 

Er when did F150s become unique hehe?
(The best selling truck in the world, is no more unique than the best selling muscle car..er last one too hehe)


Id choose the 03 cobra over an 03 Lightning.

Lightning=cool
Cobra=owns all

P.S. I drive a 2000 L heh

 

when they made the gen 2 lightning that's when. lowered, ground effects,supercharged,18" styled wheels
a cobra looks just like every other mustang until you get close but you can tell a lightning a mile away

 

well seeing you live in gainesville...and im assuming your a fl gator, a cobra convertible would be alot of fun in the sun especially pickin up college girls, amuhaha