I am currently Looking to buy either a 2002 Cobra or a 2002 Lightning, can someone give me some specs on the lightning, I want Performance, I want to know if it handles like a DumpTruck or a sportscar, I've Driven a 2001 Cobra, Nice. I Haven't tried the Lightning, my nearest dealer did not have any, any input would be great..Thanx

 

I like the Lightning handling wise and power wise. Compared to a Mustang GT I like the handling and power much better. Never compared it to a cobra. I hear the Gen 1's out handle the Gen 2's because of weight.

 

http://www.motortrend.com/june99/ford/ford_svt_f.html

http://www.motortrend.com/dec99/fordsvt/fordsvt_f.html

http://www.womanmotorist.com/review/...g-2k1-01.shtml

http://www.auto.com/reviews/lightning27_20010327.htm

http://www.svt.ford.com/flash/index.html

 

The fact that your dealer didn't have one should be reason enough....

 

I've driven both, and owned a 99 Cobra, and IMHO neither really handles better than the other. The Cobra is more nimble, and has a cushier ride. The L actually has more grip on a smooth road, but loses grip faster than the Cobra as the road deteriorates. They both are stable, but tend to float as you get into triple digits. The L is MUCH easier to launch consistantly, and will beat the Cobra (on the street) 2 times out of 3 0-60. The Cobra has better brakes after 2-3 hard stops.
For me, the difference could be wrapped up in one word...torque. The L has it, the Cobra doesn't. The L is much more responsive below 4k rpm than the Cobra. Once you get the Cobra wound up, it really runs, but I got tired of having to run 4k-5k rpm to stay ahead of traffic. The L comes off the line effortlessly, and accelerates ahead of traffic without having to hold a lower gear.
One other factor that is sad but true...the L has a much larger 'presence' on the road. The soccer mom's in the SUVs and minivans give you a lot more respect. I was forever dodging SUVs when I drove my Cobra. I don't know if they just couldn't see me, or had some latent hostilities toward ponycars. Either way, they don't try to run over me in my L, so I'm a much more relaxed driver.

 

Thanks Guys, Guess it's gonna be a lightning....any word about 2002 L? Or should I try to get a 2001 instead, this baby will be kept original and garage kept and driven on sunny weekends, 100 miles a month. I want a Hot Rod that has some value in 25 years......