Roush looks better. But I'd go for the Cobra.
That way, everyone who looks at it won't say "It's probably fake"

 

I am sorry, I have to kick in on this one since I am Rayden's friend. Many of you state that an 03 Cobra stock will walk a 03 Roush Stage III. WRONG!!! An 03 Stage III Roush is underated at 375hp (actually around 400hp) and actually will outperform an 03-04 stock Cobra in handling and 1/4 mile. Anyone who saw the Car and Driver episode with the Stage III tested, saw a VERT Roush run the quarter in the LOW 12's. Correct me if I am wrong, but the quickest I have seen a Cobra test in any mag or show is 12.7-12.9. So saying a Roush will get walked by a stock Cobra is dead wrong!!
That being said, the points about the 2 valve versus the 4 valve are the difference maker in this comparo. Much more that you can do with the Cobra motor so I have NO arguments there. Even though this is an 01 that he is looking at, it still posts a 12.7-13.1 time so it still is right there with an 03-04 Cobra. After mods, game over and the Cobra wins hands down but the allure of the Roush is that it is rare, it is a 50K car for 24k with competition everything and it is a nice looking car.
All that being said, the 05 Roush, which debuts next month with a a charger option will definitely outperform a stock Cobra.
Granted, 50k is a hell of alot for a Mustang so if you talk initial price, then Roush is too damn high!!!

 

Forgot one thing, the 01 Roush comes with a 3.27 gear versus a 3.55 for the Cobra. Stick a 3.55 in the 01 Roush to match and the Cobra will have all that it can handle.....
I know that Cobra owners will raise hell on this, but have any of you stock run against a Stage III Roush?
If so, tell us what happened??

 

I hate to let you know, but my Cobra stock went 114 and smoked a Stage III. Rayden, Cobra all the way. The looks, the 6 speed, the factory built botom end... what else could you ask for?

Cobra all the way...

 

Like was stated earlier, the stock Cobra picks up where the fully modded Roush ends. $1500 in mods on an '03 or '04 Cobra and it's no contest. Just ask the 500HP Viper on I-264 that couldn't shake the Cobra all the way to 140MPH. And I hadn't even opened the bottle yet

 

You'll do fine with the ladies in either option-right up to the part where you take them home to YOUR MOM'S HOUSE!!!! Come on, there's no decision here. Be responsible and buy a house. If getting another fast ride is what your after, buy an inexpensive house, then buy your car in year or two.

I'd rather drive a junker and have a house any day....