HellCat Kitty!

That means my 1.2 horsepower blender beats out all of these performance cars!

Referring to Mustangs “as a safety notice, you’re going to want to be very alert if you see one of these leaving a car show” hahaha, true.

Love this, it’s surprising how many people don’t get this logic. I owned a turbo’d Subaru BRZ on E85, 450hp & partially gutted to 2,580lbs, yet soo many ppl would scoff & say stupid comments like “the mustang comes with more than that from the factory” or smile at stop lights because of the 2.0L. Until of course we pulled off the line.

I completed building my MK4 last spring. I chose the 427 Z2 crate motor from Ford Performance. 535 HP 545 ft. lbs torque - Tremec TKO 600 tranny and Moser 8.8 rear end with 3.55 gears. Power to weight 3.92. It's a monster. Words and stats cannot describe these cars - you have to drive one, but be warned - if you do, you're gonna want one. It's nothing nice - no stereo, no power steering, no air conditioning. Hell, it doesn't even have windshield wipers or a heater. What you get for $60k is a primal beast. If you drive it and honestly don't like it, you probably don't have a pulse!

The appeal for the Cobra to me is the raw driving experience and not the performance numbers. That said, the Cobra is a really nice ride unless it rains.

I have a SPF with a stroked FMS 392/430HP. I have owned a C7 Z06, 392 Challenger, 94 Viper and numerous other pony cars, muscle cars and custom cars. The SPF cannot not come close to the Z06, straight line or otherwise and my HP/weight ratio is right there with the Z06. It would not just loose to the Z06, it would get destroyed by the Z06 0-60 and just get worse as the MPH went up. Compared to the 392 Challenger it would do better 0-60 but as speed increased it may get caught within the 1/4, would be VERY close. With that said I think the sweet spot for these cars are right around 500HP. I can actually get my SPF to hook fairly well with BFG's. Bump to 500, put something a little more sticky on it. I know people with 500+, well over 600HP replicas, forget trying to launch them. Some even have issues at 50MPH+ and without traction control that can get ugly fast. The lighter supercars with low HP/weight ratios are built in such a way they can launch hard without loosing traction. The Hellcat suffers the same issue, cannot launch with all that power (not stopping me though, I have a Redeye on the way). All of these cars are fun but sometimes the HP/Weight ratio is not the entire story. Factors of final gear ratio, trans ratios/shifts and the traction aspect all play into it. As other comments have indicated running these cars, or at least video a 0-60 (camera on speedo) to time the run. My SPF feel fast, scary fast, nature of the type of car, small open and loud but you may be surprised at the actual 0-60 time.

thank you for answering all my questions about this build in this and the previous video thank you very much!

Really enjoyed this video, it really helps you understand the incredible performance the Factory Five roadster has. 👏👏

I am building a B& B Cobra kit car 71 Boss 351 motor tko 500 with 373 poi’s no frills radio, wipers, or heater! Deciding on Holley FI or carb! Should be running by July 4 is my goal 😃

Perfect KZfaq , good job 👍 keep like that , we enjoy with your COBRA 👍

Thank you for answering the big question.

Hey well done on the video. Love FFR cars and will get the type 65 kit when my business let me have free time. Thanks for making the video.

Great video and comparison. Thanks.

Thank you for your the videos Car still looks amazing

An excellent video. Thank You.

Thank you sooo much for doing this

Great information...loved it

1:18 I wonder where Factory Five got that 2062 lb. curb weight. I’ve never heard of one weighing less than 2200 lbs. Mine is 2290 wet with one layer of Fatmat sound insulation. Small block, aluminum heads.

I've Always wanted one of these, and now that I've seen this video, I want one right this instant.

Fun video. Thanks for putting this together, @Joe. I do think the objective numbers are misrepresented in the final comparison considering the other three cars all have a form of launch control. While a 500hp Factory Five will be spinning its rear tires at the starting line, those other three will be optimizing the application of horsepower to their wheels and taking off...

I think you and I both would enjoy seeing a set of 2017 GT350 wheels and tires on your FF... Just for the weight factor....

That's one really sharp little car. Very Kool.😎

Keep in mind, these numbers are an FFR w the 325 NA engine. FACT- Texas Mile- Backdraft MKIV - Coyote Powered- Tremec5, 3:55 final drive. No Bugatti, Z06, Aventador, or even the GT2 Could touch it. Only cars that came close was a JDM GT40 and a 1966 Corvette twin turbo. The Cobra design is over 50 years old. And despite all the modern changed (Brembos, Fuel control, ect), the basics are the same. Shelby designed a platform that is still the benchmark so many are trying to reach years later. That being said, I also love the C7 Z06 and ZR1s.The LS/LT platforms are amazing. But bang for the price, you cannot beat an AC Cobra. And with a Coyote powerplant it will be the benchmark for years to come.

Loved the video Taco Joe!!

Let's be honest, when it comes to performance, the Cobra is a monster. any addition of 50hp already totally transforms his driveability. but it doesn't have a lot of embedded technology, comfort limitation, and other attractive issues. My dream is to be able to assemble one, using some technologies, premium interior, navigation display, sound system ...

Mustang Car show ref, was golden. My bet is that once you've owned and driven a Cobra, even a 302 powered replica, you know, and cleaned your shorts out a few times. You can easily out drive any pantywaist "La Ferrari" driver who struggles to figure out the launch control.

This is a beautiful car and great piece of work. No reason for any sensitivity. Just be proud of it. Is that a real one? "It's not virtual, so I guess it must be!" The power-to-weight ratio always was impressive. I would still want to know what kind of horsepowers everybody is using. And see what the wheel-horspowers are. Having said that, it always surprises me how a Porsche with a bit less wheel-horse than another brand can beat that other high-end brand, on a real race track. Probably drag coefficient. Whatever. This car here has always been my favorite.

I like the video. It's actually informative for a guy like me who's been looking into the FF Mk4. I'm actually in the market for one to enjoy the Minnesota summers. Dry days only...lol Any suggestions, TacoJoe? I found a Mk4 with a 302 engine and a Jaguar rear end.

Thanks for posting all the great videos of your FFR Cobra build. Building one has been on my radar for a few years. One of my big interests is performance driving, not just straight line acceleration. I've had a couple of great sports cars over the years, and have spent the money and time in driving schools and track days to learn how to drive a car at the limit. Sadly, information on most all the current Cobra replicas (FFR, Superformance, and whatever else) regarding handling dynamics is not out there. Surely folks are taking these cars to track days, not just the drag strip. I'd like to build a Cobra one day, but don't want something I'm ultimately unhappy with. So, what do you think of your car's handling? Do you drive it hard enough around corners to have to balance understeer/oversteer? What is it's "natural" balance like in terms of understeer/oversteer? Will you brakes keep up with a track day? Is it a pig on roller skates when pushed hard? Is it awesome on a track and can do no wrong? I can't find answers to any of these questions on the internet, which I find maddening considering how popular these cars are. I'd really appreciate any info you have on your car's handling, or being pointed to info about the cars.

I have a gen 2 Cobra , windsor stroker motor, putting out 500+. It's AMAZINGLY quick. What baffles me is some of these BMW, Benz, Vipers, Vettes, Porsche people etc ... just don't get it. I've blown them all away and have never lost. Amazing car!!

Nice job, enjoyed the 411.

this is not how you determine who would win

I want to build a factory five 65 just for the looks and experience of building own car. But for a quick buy get on the road, cant beat an older corvette . 60s corvettes $25-40k, 70s corvette stingray fully restored $10-15k, c5 easily go $5-15k, c6 $15-40k, c7 $40-75k.

my cobra replica has a stroked three O two to three forty seven cu inches. hp is around four eighty five.

Factory 5 offer sensational kits including the Mk4 Cobra . However there is a kit available in Australia & its a Aluminium Tub instead of a all tube chassis. Pretty sure the Aluminium Tub is going 2 be stiffer

Nicely done - think you nailed it. I have an FFR with a 347 and think it’s a good combo. I honestly don’t know how you’d get any more power to the ground.

Joe, some folks like myself, might want to know the cost, and value of such an adventure.. Have you had the Mk.4 appraised? Perhaps a video on insuring the monster, and the other issues concerning licensing, and what not?

Hey Joe, what size tires and wheels do you have on your MK4?

I would love one of those but I just got to wondering what a 427 cobra would be like in a Ford Pantera.

power is nothing without control... that cobra will have its ass handed to it by any of those other modern muscle cars on ANY track, especially the Z06 and GT350 because ABS, traction control, Dual Clutch trans or modern autos all out gun the power to weight factor... the replicas purpose is to look cool and take to cars and coffee, make noise etc... else we would see these mechanical relics winning weekend races on a routine basis... dont get me wrong... they are sexy as hell... but their time has past, admire it for what it once was... automotive art and music.

The substantial weight advantage of the Factory Five should be a huge plus on the track . The Cobra was built as a track car . On the track can this " cobra " out - perform the cars referenced in this video ?

Fabulous

Your MK4 is a beauty. I have a MK1. The only drawback to the FFR Roadsters compared to the other cars your listed is that the other ones have heat and AC LOL

...numbers don’t necessarily tell the tale of the tape...I would have been nice to SEE it do 0-60 with times...and 1/4 mile....and drivability....it ain’t fun if these cars go weird on the road...a drive with a cup of coffee leaves at lot to be desired...but all your videos are really informative with lots of interesting details...very enjoyable

Power to weight ratio says nothing about traction, I'm not sure what the front to rear weight bias is on the mk 4 but hooking that power up is the king of stop light to stop light racing. While I'm sure that your numbers are correct in theory, a practical application would most likely yield different results. I love your videos though.

Very believable comparison, and true enough....today's performance cars simply weigh too much. That all said, I submit that there is another criteria to look at besides the power-to-weight ratio. It's the ability of the car to put the power to the ground. Do you think the MKIV would excel here too? Example.....earliest Fox-body Mustang GT's were good for the day, but the 60/40 front-rear weight distribution and poorly controlled live rear axle overshadowed any power or power-to-weight ratio advantage it may have had. Aside....even if a heavier car can achieve superior power-to-weight ratio, the overall-lighter car will be much more fun to drive and will do better in all the other vehicle dynamics like better and faster direction-changes, cornering and braking, etc.......

Cobras were built for people who knew how to drive cars fast. Unfortunately, many of them were sold to people who didn’t have a clue.

true enough on the numbers... but there's more to it than that. No doubt the Cobra's fast... but it's also traction-limited... it's just too hard to put the power to the pavement efficiently. And then there's the aerodynamics & ergonomics. Once you get above 100 mph, the front end gets light. Plus, it's not the most aerodynamic shape. Ergonomics also come into play... with the forward-canted shifter (unless you went with the mid-shift option) and the offset pedal box... it can be tricky to drive quickly. I had a Backdraft Racing Cobra for many years... all aluminum 427 Windsor stroker… 612 hp/615 tq. Yes, it's scary-fast... but also exhausting to drive. The wind, sun, & noise all take their toll on you. These days, I prefer my '04 Z06... just as much fun to drive, but much more comfortable. Enjoy the ride!

Still dreaming hopefully one day will pull the trigger and buy one and if I do I hope I can fit I'm 6'8" 351lbs lol wish they made a slightly longer one for us tall guys

Comparison of 427 powered car vs the others?

Mine weighs 2200 lbs, '85 302 HO motor only way it's gonna make 325 hp is on Nitro going downhill with a big block car pushing it.

My F5R Mk IV Roadster weighs 4.3 lbs per horsepower.

Sadly though, 12s on the street nowadays will get you smoked many many times over... I have a coyote with a paxton on it and I barely keep up with some of the big boys around here in the richer part of town... Fucking teslas are a pain if you're not paying attention... :D

Take that to the drag strip and report back. Plus I can drive any of the cars mentioned to work daily with all the creature comforts.

So what are your numbers?

nice hell kitten

Considering price and just that, this car wins every time, and in the long run pays for itself. Far less electronics so it's more reliable by default. Besides that, you're getting more performance for your dollar compared to the majority of cars on the market. The only con of course is that you can't daily drive unlike the modern cars because it doesn't have HVAC or a top. I know you can install those parts, but at the same time I wouldn't for sake of performance.

The only problem with what you have assumed is, it's just on paper. That car won't hook as good as you think against the cars you compared. Show me real results not theory on paper.

R1T electric ,got you all beat. but i love the cobra.

Compared to other American sports cars? What American sports cars?

You just had to mention the Mustang leaving car meets but you left out the mullets for the camaro and the grey hair and gold jewelry for the vette. C'mon man! Use your stereotypes equally.

I would not waste my time on a smallblock I build a cobra 428 to 460 stroker 900hp in the cobra

At 500 the car is to light to get enough grip so really its irrelevant anyways.and thats from a fan of them

Ok,now go to the track and race all 4 of these cars,,then let me know how fast your stock 302 cobra kit car is.

Is this car street legal?

Best deal: buy a used Corvette for $15K

Nice build but honestly I'm not sure where you got the numbers for your comparison but many people are easily running high 11s in the scat pack 1320 and the 18-19 5.0 especially with the 10 speed auto. Also the gt350 and the z06 would smoke you too. Nice car but any of those cars would smoke a mild 302 In a cobra. You can't just check off the box's in theory claiming you can beat these cars. Post a video of you beating a 10 speed 5.0 and a scat pack 1320. With a mild 302 you would get smoked by bus lengths. Maybe with a built 347 a cobra would keep up. I love the cobras and Daytona ffr kits but i would out a real motor in one. It just feels like you are justifying putting a crappy motor in yours by pretending it will beat all the new cars. Honestly a mild 302 doesn't even make 325 hp without head and cam upgrades .

Funny. I like the mk4 but u are not comlaring them to what this car and the rest u showed with an exceltion of the challenber which is race track not drag, any of those other cars would probably beat the mk4

None of which have a usable back seat ... lol

might want to double check your figures...

Every single production car, mentioned in this video would destroy your replica, in any measurable road test. 0-60, 1/4 mile, whatever test you could dream up. And they would do so with their a/c on and stereo blasting. Not hating, I love the Cobras and the replicas, and I'm even building one myself. That being said, a factory production car, built for performance, will best a home-built performance car every time.

why don’t you put a 427 in it and be a man

Cobra now is a toy. No matter how fast. You can not use it everyday All the other cars you can .