GT40 vs Cobra Performance
- Thread starter kram350
- Start date
I’ve not seen an original Cobra that had independent rear suspension.
My own personal opinions follow -
Power to weight ratios were a lot closer than you think. Aero plays a large role even on a short track. You get an aero car like the GT up to 100mph, that downforce sticks that car much harder than the Cobra. The Cobra windshield created downforce at a tremendous aero drag - hence the Lemans fastback versions and then the later “stretched” Daytona Coupe..
I have not raced a GT40, but have raced a Cobra (replica) with a speedster windshield.
My own personal opinions follow -
Power to weight ratios were a lot closer than you think. Aero plays a large role even on a short track. You get an aero car like the GT up to 100mph, that downforce sticks that car much harder than the Cobra. The Cobra windshield created downforce at a tremendous aero drag - hence the Lemans fastback versions and then the later “stretched” Daytona Coupe..
I have not raced a GT40, but have raced a Cobra (replica) with a speedster windshield.
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Every original Cobra had IRS. It was bespoke to the cars, not a "Jag" suspension. Small blocks had a transverse leaf spring for the upper control arm as well as being the spring system. big block cars had SLA upper/lower arms with coil over shocks. The Salisbury differential was similar to the unit Jaguar used but had a different case and mounting setup.
I've owned and tracked both.
For me, the '40 is much easier to drive. The power is applied to the pavement in a way that hooks up and moves the car forward. Very little wheel spin. It's also much more comfortable. One can tell that it is an endurance car, meant to be occupied for hours at a time.
The Cobra was a handful. Fast, but I really had to work at it. I used to think she was trying to kill me if I didn't give her my full attention. It was downright dangerous with the BF Goodrich tires it was delivered with. Sticky race rubber tamed her a bit, but when I hit the gas, she was as likely to fishtail or go sideways as to go forward. Entertaining, for sure. But a completely different driving experience.
For me, the '40 is much easier to drive. The power is applied to the pavement in a way that hooks up and moves the car forward. Very little wheel spin. It's also much more comfortable. One can tell that it is an endurance car, meant to be occupied for hours at a time.
The Cobra was a handful. Fast, but I really had to work at it. I used to think she was trying to kill me if I didn't give her my full attention. It was downright dangerous with the BF Goodrich tires it was delivered with. Sticky race rubber tamed her a bit, but when I hit the gas, she was as likely to fishtail or go sideways as to go forward. Entertaining, for sure. But a completely different driving experience.
No comparison.
Cobra is a go cart that goes from understeer (427 car) to oversteer in a nano second. The majority of control is through the throttle. Unbelievably dangerous. Few, of any, drivers really had confidence in the car due to self preservation instincts. Yes, good tires and set up helps, but you can't really bend the laws of physics. Fast and difficult.
Ford GT is on another level of sophistication. I've driven several at speed , both MKII and MKI. Better brakes/steering/physics. Once you get used to the mid engine dynamics of the car it can be driven very quickly but still quite a bit of effort. Weight of the MKII is apparent compared to a MKI.
JM
Cobra is a go cart that goes from understeer (427 car) to oversteer in a nano second. The majority of control is through the throttle. Unbelievably dangerous. Few, of any, drivers really had confidence in the car due to self preservation instincts. Yes, good tires and set up helps, but you can't really bend the laws of physics. Fast and difficult.
Ford GT is on another level of sophistication. I've driven several at speed , both MKII and MKI. Better brakes/steering/physics. Once you get used to the mid engine dynamics of the car it can be driven very quickly but still quite a bit of effort. Weight of the MKII is apparent compared to a MKI.
JM
