Well, while waiting for my first oil change & tire rotation (I'm in the process of moving and I'm feeling lazy, so I'd rather pay to get it done), I took a stroll thru the sales lot, and took a test drive of a '03 Cobra.

Although the thing is a monster, I'm not at all disappointed in my choice of the Mach 1. I'll be the first to admit I couldn't shell out the extra $100 a month for the Cobra, so there was really no choice in the matter. However, after my first test drive, it doesn't feel like the two cars are worlds apart. It obviously feels like it handles better cause of the IRS, although I couldn't really test handling limits cause of the wet pavement. It feels a good bit stronger in the first 3K RPM, which I think could be come an increasingly sizeable advantage as you get up in the gears..........but after that, they feel almost identical, except that Eaton whine is intoxicating!!! Boy did I miss that!!! I think 6th gear would probably NEVER EVER EVER be used.......Hell, even 5th might be a stretch...LOL.

If I could have all 3 (Lightning, Cobra, Mach 1), I think without a shadow of a doubt, I'd have the best Ford Garage ever put together (no offense to other brands).

I wanted to test drive the SVT Focus, but they couldn't find the keys!!

JC

 

Glad you enjoyed your test drive. The Cobras are some nice vehicles. I think Ford really got there act 2gether in producing some great vehicles in the last few years. Goodluck with the Mach1! -Mat-

 

if you want the whine of a blwer on your Mach 1 , just get one of these.

Its a Vortech on a 03 Mach1

 

To bad they couldnt use the ram air function of that hood.

 

The vehicle that I owned before I bought my new 03 LIghtning was a Bullitt Mustang. That car was awesome! I had absolutely no problems with it and it handled like a beast. I like the look of the Mach 1's as well. Both great cars.

I did in fact take a test drive of an 03 Focus SVT and I did like the car. Handling is beautiful and the clutch is very light and the seats comfortable. However, for me, it just doesn't have that low end grunt and understandably so with only a 4 cyl under the hood. Great car though, if you want something a bit different!

Happy with my choice. What I lose in gas mileage, I gain in cheaper insurance and more cargo capacity that I needed as well as most importantly, more POWER!

This is my second LIghtning so I pray that it is much better than my 99 was.

Paul G.

 

man you must look rich. i am 19 and i if i ask to test drive a cobra they laugh at me. I tell them i have an 02 lightning which is paid for and i want to trade in and they still laugh at me and tell me know way... go figure. I must look like a skum bag,... ???

Vinny

 

thats funny im 22 and when i go to the local svt dealer they let me drive what ever i want,

mabe it has something to do with me and my dad buying a lightning and a cobra from them a month apart

and i test drove a svt focus and your not missing much, there is no LSD so if you dump the clutch it will burn 1 tire for as long as you want and it seems to take forever for the rps to get up to where they have to be to shift, however if i was buying an econo box if you catch the right time when there offering rebates you can pick up a decent 3 door svt for about 15K whick isn's bad considring the competition

 

man... i go in there in my truck. I tell them it is paid for and i want to test drive a cobra and they say you cant test drive svt vehicles. I tell them i test drove my L and they say sorry policies have changed. go figure. ah well

Vinny

 

You think Bulldog, ugh, I mean that other guy, could arrange for test drives at that dealership during the party?

 

Now THAT we would have to get on video. lmao

 

Hey Vinnie,
Do you have any more information on this..............

This is sweet as hell!!!! Email me if you do have some info chief.

thanks,
JC

 

There is no doubt a modded Mach I might go faster than Cobra for less cake. But to me, it would never be as cool.

To me nothing is more attractive than what the factory turns out. To better the factory just ever so slightly is the best...

Factory iron + minor mods =

 

YEah, 03 Cobra + $850 = 11.71@121

Can't deny that.

 

I hope mine goes 11.71@121

I have about $200 into it. Chip pulley ram air! -Mat-

 

That kind of mph is sick. Out of a nearly stock vehcile. Remeber the days when factory 15 second cars where the norm?