Road and Track 8 legendary car comparo

[Cutter 54]

I just finished the Nov/Dec Road and Track comparison of 8 classic sports cars, including an air-cooled 911, ND Miata, BMW M5 and a MCLAREN F1!!! among others.* Well the unanimous winner was a 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra! Maybe a few of you are not surprised, but c'mon, against a McLaren valued at $30 million? That seems over the top to me. Still, if I had not been an R&T subscriber for over 30 years I would have dismissed the story as hogwash, but I have placed considerable weight on what I have read on the pages of this iconic car magazine, despite the changes in editors, publishers and contributors. Frankly, one of the main reasons I am building a Mk4 is because of the its driving qualities, but I have never even been a passenger in one! Yes, a leap of faith, but a very low risk leap I believe.

But to keep things in perspective, the final decision was not based on quantifiable features, like performance numbers, price, rarity, etc, but on the pure joy of driving; as stated in the summary: "Sheer fun". "Real sense of freedom". "The rare thing that asks for every ounce of your attention but rewards every sense completely. Perfection." Impressive comments.

I recommend reading the write up to anyone who enjoys sports cars, Cobra owner or not. But I post this issue to 1) solicit opinions on the credibility of choosing the Cobra as the winner of this group, particularly from those who have driven some or many of the cars in the comparison (see below) and 2) to pose the question of whether the overall balance of the original 289 powered car has been lost by either too much power or too stiff a suspension in modern day replicas, probably possible for only a few to answer on the forum. Anyway, thanks for your thoughts or comments.

*Cars driven at Lime Rock Speedway: 1949 MG TC, 1954 Mercedes Benz 300 SL (owned by Sam Posey), 1967 Porsche 911S, 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra, 1988 BMW M5, 1995 McLaren F1, 2001 Acura Integra Type R, 2020 Mazda MX5 roadster

[7tvette]

Well first of all your going to get 100 different opinions! Looking at the list it is impossible to compare apples to apples. You can't ever beat a 911 on a road course, way to balanced and stable. You can drive the snot out of them and not feel uneasy. The problem with the McLaren is your afraid to drive the snot out of it. I pass the newer L660 and L720 all the time at track days with my E46 M3 because their drivers are afraid of crashing. Cobra new and old are a handful. It's a real art and I love watching the videos of the Cobras on bias ply tires skating all over the course lap after lap. I would not recommend tracking a Cobra (flat out racing)without IRS. Just my opinion, too much power with a solid rear end.
To end my little rant, there is nothing like driving a cobra.. the feel, the sound, the smell, the wind.. it is truly exciting and calming at the same time. Beyond the car the Cobra family is truly amazing. I've told Dave Smith a number of times.. It starts with the car and ends with the friends you make.

Troy

[Cutter 54]

Well first of all your going to get 100 different opinions! Looking at the list it is impossible to compare apples to apples. You can't ever beat a 911 on a road course, way to balanced and stable. You can drive the snot out of them and not feel uneasy. The problem with the McLaren is your afraid to drive the snot out of it. I pass the newer L660 and L720 all the time at track days with my E46 M3 because their drivers are afraid of crashing. Cobra new and old are a handful. It's a real art and I love watching the videos of the Cobras on bias ply tires skating all over the course lap after lap. I would not recommend tracking a Cobra (flat out racing)without IRS. Just my opinion, too much power with a solid rear end.
To end my little rant, there is nothing like driving a cobra.. the feel, the sound, the smell, the wind.. it is truly exciting and calming at the same time. Beyond the car the Cobra family is truly amazing. I've told Dave Smith a number of times.. It starts with the car and ends with the friends you make.

Troy

Opinion #1 on the record! As you say, R&T staff who drove the F1 basically wet their pants from both exhilaration and terror. The FFR Cobra is everyman's supercar and I feel privileged to enter this world. Thanks for your 2 cents worth.

[OSU Cowboy]

I've had my MK3.1 on the road now for right at one year, after 11 years build process. The car is named and tagged "SLOPOKE" in part because it took me a long time to complete it, in part a nod to my university alma mater Oklahoma State (Cowboys), and in part to the very ironic nature as it's anything but slow. When I'm behind the wheel sometimes I feel as if I'm the king of the world, enjoying life in a way that is difficult to accomplish any other way. It is indeed gratifying to learn that industry experts and enthusiasts feel somewhat similar per the article you reference. Thanks for sharing.

[CobraboyDR]

The small-block Cobra was Shelby's favorite ride.

The 427 s/c has the balls and intrigue, but the light 289 had the overall scoots.

The FIA/USRRC small-block is the car that won the races.

[Cutter 54]

Those two facts about the 289 speak volumes about what a superb design it was and apparently still is. Something to really think about. At least I am impressed.

[Al_C]

... to keep things in perspective, the final decision was not based on quantifiable features, like performance numbers, price, rarity, etc, but on the pure joy of driving; as stated in the summary: "Sheer fun". "Real sense of freedom". "The rare thing that asks for every ounce of your attention but rewards every sense completely. Perfection." Impressive comments.

*Cars driven at Lime Rock Speedway: 1949 MG TC, 1954 Mercedes Benz 300 SL (owned by Sam Posey), 1967 Porsche 911S, 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra, 1988 BMW M5, 1995 McLaren F1, 2001 Acura Integra Type R, 2020 Mazda MX5 roadster

This is a very interesting grouping! Considering the evaluation criteria, I bet that the number 2 and 3 cars were the MG and the Miata. (I have not read the article). In my mind, there's something about an open car, and it really is "sheer fun" and a "real sense of freedom".

Thanks for sharing this. I may have to find that article...

[GTBradley]

I grew up reading Road & Track magazine, that and and Car and Driver. Rebuilding my MG and wishing I had a muscle car I didn't realize what a great car I had, I mean I kind of did, but I spent too much time lusting after Camaros and the like. I can totally see why they would choose the 289, I think of it as the sweet spot between massive muscle and the uninspired, underpowered wannabes.

Even the guys on Top Gear said the most fun they had in a car was the Miata and they were comparing it to a supercar at the time.

[AdamIsAdam]

I've owned and driven a wide variety of cars. And I'm first and foremost a muscle car junkie. My last muscle car was a `64 GTO with a 469 cid stroker and Muncie 4 speed. It turned a LOT of heads among both car peeps and "regular" folks. I also have an `18 GT350 now, unquestionably a great road course car.

NONE OF THEM can hold a candle to the Cobra. I've owned my FFR for just under a year now, checking off a major bucket list item. Things I noticed about the car so far:

- I HAVE NEVER gotten this much attention FROM EVERYONE! From very young kids to NOT very young ladies. And more women comment about this car than any other car ever. I think the older women like it because it was designed in the 50/60s' when they were young. I can go on, but you all know the drill. But it's amazing how universal the admiration for it is.

- It's a driving experience unmatched by anything else I've driven/ridden in or on. In fact, "on" is a close second. Like my old Yamaha V-Max. The power-to-weight and size of the Cobra is just insane, fun, and unbeatable.

- This thing demands your attention and respect. We're getting to know each other now and I think we are both happy.


Ironically, I drove a Miata this fall as I was considering picking one up. Another bucket list item. It was fun, but I forgot how slow it is. lol

Yea, I can see how people keep voting/rating the Cobra (all variations) so high on their lists. Even if the list varies (ie, road course, drag racing, looks, uniqueness, etc).