Your S550, 03/04 Cobra, or S197

[MSheets]

Currently own a 2022 GT

I had a 2009 GT until I got married and the family car had to come first.

I driven '88 GT

I prefer my 2022 GT. It's a blast to drive, comfortable, all the gadgets and late 60's reto.

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[ORRadtech]

Nice necro thread.
I was looking for an 04 convertible GT for a hobby car when I found my '18 Ecoboost Premium convertible. It's not a hobby or weekend car, rather a super fun DD. I'm forever grateful to my wife for suggesting we take it for a test drive.

 

[BullittBoy]

My 2020 Bullitt would spank my 03 Cobra stock versus stock. The only thing I like better would be the trans in the 03.

 

[Cobra Jet]

Totally random, but I am very curious... after owning your S550 of any version (GT, ECO, V6) would you rather stick with the S550 or take an 03/04 Cobra or an S197???

Reason I ask is because I personally have had all 3 now... and to be honest. I miss the 04 Cobra the absolute most..

Let it rip!

If it was to be an S197, it would be a 2012/13 BOSS 302. I prefer the 2013 over the 2013 with regard to exterior asthmatics only (because rear of car is same into 2013). Plus the 2012 B302’s were the last of the raw performance car feel without all of the in-dash fancy menus etc. 2013 started with the in-dash menus which carried over into the 2014 and eventually and vastly improved into the S550’s.

I’m not paying amped up prices for the S197 “Shelby” name tags. When a B302 still offered great performance and could be just as “supercharged” as a S197 Shelby.

As for the 03/04 Cobra, granted it’s supercharged, but it’s also older engine technology with it being a modular DOHC V8 rather than a Coyote 5.0 variant. The DOHC morphed into the Coyote, but still entirely different animals.

As years pass, any specific SVT 03/04 Cobra parts will be much harder to source new (NOS) and used. This will increase the cost of maintenance items as well as any necessary repairs for the supercharger, its accessories and the engine hardware itself. The platform is EXTREMELY reliable - but many of these were not bought for the daily driver or grocery getter…. Many have been through multiple mods and many were driven hard….

03/04 SVT Cobra prices right now (specifically coupes) has been within 10-15% of their original MSRP (which at the time was about $35k). Their values have been this way for the last 10-15 years and they’re NOT going to go down. Right now for a decent driver 03/04 they’re in the $25k-$30k range. For one that is low miles, still all original with no mods, you’re pushing into the $38k-$45k range. For a pristine Mystic 03/04 Cobra coupe, you’re going to shell out upwards of $50k-$75k+++ depending on condition, documentation, mileage, SVT # and unmodified. The Mystic is in demand and hard to find. The next in line with demand would be the Competition Orange 03/04 Cobra.

For anyone seeking an 03/04 Cobras here’s the build quantifies for both years:
https://lmr.com/products/2003-2004-mustang-cobra-specs-horsepower-colors

 

[Bob Lob Law]

Always liked the Terminators! But, this is my first mustang for a reason.

 

[robvas]

My 2020 Bullitt would spank my 03 Cobra stock versus stock. The only thing I like better would be the trans in the 03.

I don't know about "spank"

There were plenty of guys back then going 12.5 @ 113/114mph when those cars first hit the strip

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