I apologize in advance for the childish question, and also if this is the wrong forum for this, but...
Is there any performance category in which an ORIGINAL STOCK 427 AC Cobra would beat the new STOCK C6 Z06?
After seeing the specs on the Z06. as well as a few homemade videos of it taking down supercar(s) and exotics and other modified muscle cars, it seemed like a no-brainer. However, I know of a few stubborn partisan friends who are completely unwilling to acknowledge that a new Chevrolet could be faster than an old muscle car (they are Shelby/Ford fans).
By stock for stock, I mean just that for the Z06, but perhaps the old Cobra would have modern tires. I have seen estimated Z06 1/4 times at 11.3, GM specs at 11.5 and magazine tests at 11.7. There is no doubt the Z06 is deep into the 11s in the 1/4 mile category and deep into the 3s in the 0-60 category. However, these partisan friends of mine claim that the original stock 427 Cobra posted 11.8s, presumably without modifications (save for new tires). Can anybody shed some light on this? Is there any performance category (1/4, 1/8, 0-60, skid, 0-100-0, etc.) where we could say the original stock Cobra is faster than a stock new Z06?
I apologize in advance for the childish question, and also if this is the wrong forum for this, but...
Is there any performance category in which an ORIGINAL STOCK 427 AC Cobra would beat the new STOCK C6 Z06?
After seeing the specs on the Z06. as well as a few homemade videos of it taking down supercar(s) and exotics and other modified muscle cars, it seemed like a no-brainer. However, I know of a few stubborn partisan friends who are completely unwilling to acknowledge that a new Chevrolet could be faster than an old muscle car (they are Shelby/Ford fans).
By stock for stock, I mean just that for the Z06, but perhaps the old Cobra would have modern tires. I have seen estimated Z06 1/4 times at 11.3, GM specs at 11.5 and magazine tests at 11.7. There is no doubt the Z06 is deep into the 11s in the 1/4 mile category and deep into the 3s in the 0-60 category. However, these partisan friends of mine claim that the original stock 427 Cobra posted 11.8s, presumably without modifications (save for new tires). Can anybody shed some light on this? Is there any performance category (1/4, 1/8, 0-60, skid, 0-100-0, etc.) where we could say the original stock Cobra is faster than a stock new Z06?
I was at least 2-3 car lengths on what I assume was a replica that looked like a very, very good quality job - right down to the 427 badges - before I hit third - and he backed off. I don't really know what he had.
It's just a matter of each engine's power curve, gearing, vehicle mass, CG location, and tire friction coefficient. The Cobra was probably significantly lighter than the Z06 - mid-high 2000 lb range I would guess. Tires & available tractive thrust would be a problem I'd think for it, however (in its original guise).
I don't have any data, but I would think it would be close. It would be very easy to predict with the right information. If someone can supply what I listed I'll run a simulation!
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2006 Z06 2LZ LMB/Ebn
Prior 'Vettes: 99 Coupe MR/Oak/Z51/MN6, 02 Z06 EB/Blk, 04 Coupe MR/Oak/MM6
Misc. Projects: 61 Jaguar E-Type, 65 Pontaic GTO Sports Coupe
Someone who had one told me the 427 cobra had 750 BHP and weighted in at 2,250lbs.....that would give it a power to weight ratio of 3 lbs per HP
However, HP ratings in those days were net (like on an engine dyno) and didn't have any "accessories" attached.
Say you've got a 200 lb driver in each car.....Z06 @ 3132 + 200 lbs = 3332. The Cobra @ 2250 + 200 = 2450. Lets say the Cobra had 700 BHP (50 HP for accessories....like power steering pump (?) and alternator) and the Vette has 520 BHP (they are a tad under rated).
So, the Z06 has 6.4 lbs per HP and the Cobra has 3.5 lbs per HP. Let's also assume the Cobra has equal rubber.
Gearing could also play a part in this comparison. However, I would bet on the Cobra as it appears to have almost twice the power with it's lower weight. Also, I'm assuming equally experienced drivers.
The 427 Cobra was an incredibily fast ride
Unfortunately, I'd bet on the Cobra. That being said, I rather drive the Z06, but wouldn't mind owning a Cobra, which in pristine shape are probabily worth $500,000.00 today......
Someone who had one told me the 427 cobra had 750 BHP and weighted in at 2,250lbs.....that would give it a power to weight ratio of 3 lbs per HP
However, HP ratings in those days were net (like on an engine dyno) and didn't have any "accessories" attached.
Say you've got a 200 lb driver in each car.....Z06 @ 3132 + 200 lbs = 3332. The Cobra @ 2250 + 200 = 2450. Lets say the Cobra had 700 BHP (50 HP for accessories....like power steering pump (?) and alternator) and the Vette has 520 BHP (they are a tad under rated).
So, the Z06 has 6.4 lbs per HP and the Cobra has 3.5 lbs per HP. Let's also assume the Cobra has equal rubber.
Gearing could also play a part in this comparison. However, I would bet on the Cobra as it appears to have almost twice the power with it's lower weight. Also, I'm assuming equally experienced drivers.
The 427 Cobra was an incredibily fast ride
Unfortunately, I'd bet on the Cobra. That being said, I rather drive the Z06, but wouldn't mind owning a Cobra, which in pristine shape are probabily worth $500,000.00 today......
Interesting, but I am virtually positive the original 427 did not come with 750 bhp and weighed more than 2250. According to Mustangs and Fords Magazine's June 2003 article, the most powerful stock production Cobra had 425 hp and weighed in between 2450 and 2550. Posted times were low 13s and high 12s, though at least one guy at ClubCobra seems to think those may have been slightly exaggerated. I'm sure this changes something in your original calculations? 425 hp, 2450 lbs + 200 lbs = 2650 pounds.
What's funny is, the Cobra experts I have talked to seem to think the Z06 would win hands down, and the Z06 guys here seem to think the Cobra would win. At least you're humble. I just have a hard time believing that a car with videos posted all over YouTube of itself beating Lamborghinis, Ford GTs, and Mustangs with more raw power (regardless of how much of each win was due to driving skill) would have much trouble with a 1960s technology car like the Cobra. Any revisions?
A 66 427 Cobra weighed 2529 lbs., but the s/c cars could be down in the 2100 lb race weight.
It was rated at 410 bhp @ 6000 rpm which we all know was way under rated and it was more like 600+ bhp.
I have a couple friends that have original ones and with todays tires and all stock engines otherwise they run in the low 11's and high 10's. Its not even a contest off the line and through the gears, the Cobra will take a C6 Z easily and if it doesnt then its driver error. A Cobra 289 would probably be an even match with a C6 Z.
Having driven both the Cobra feels alot faster probably because its a smaller car even though its only .5 faster in the 1/4 or so. In each gear I think the Cobra has more pull just from the sheer HP and lighter weight.
__________________ 2003 Z06 with A&A Vortech V-2 T-Trim package at 8 psi
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Last edited by briann510 : 09-13-2006 at 03:51 AM.
In 1963 Ford introduced the 427, 1011 Cobras were built by Carroll Shelby, 356 were the real screamers, 485 hp 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, 0-100 in 8.6 seconds, 0-100-0 in 14 seconds. Standing quarter mile in 12.2 seconds, top speed of 162.
I remembered this in one of my old muscle car books, so I dug it out and this is directly from text. I do remember reading this 20 yrs ago or so and thinking "man what a fast car".
I think the Shelby Cobra AC fitted with a 427 would take a C6 Z, with adequate traction.
They are both geared similarly, the AC being a 4 speed. And the AC is a good 500 lbs lighter.
Wow this thread has rekindled a desire to own a cobra replica! Rolling chassis through factory five and superformance can be had for what $11k?
Add 427 LS7 and 6 speed for another $10k? You got C6 Z stomping performance for a third of the price. As long as you can live without a roof and all the creature comforts.
A Cobra on the street is just bad a$$. Everytime I see one cruising around my jaw drops.
I use to race my buddies car all the time when I was living up north. He has a 408ci motor in it, factory five replica.
He used to be on ET drags, me on regular street tires. He'd light me up something terrible at low speeds, but starting at 60 and above, my car was slightly faster.
Fortunately, I got the hell out of there before he slapped on the direct port 200 shot.
I use to race my buddies car all the time when I was living up north. He has a 408ci motor in it, factory five replica.
He used to be on ET drags, me on regular street tires. He'd light me up something terrible at low speeds, but starting at 60 and above, my car was slightly faster.
Fortunately, I got the hell out of there before he slapped on the direct port 200 shot.
The Cobra forum I posted this question in is VERY lively. Of the 60+ responses I have gotten so far, about 1/3 have come out on one side or the other, saying one car is definitively faster. Among that third, all but one or two admit that, according to specs, the C6 Z is faster. I'm just trying to figure out how, when Cobra/kit owners and experts are willing to give the Z the race, the Z guys on this board are trying to give it to the Cobra...
I love the Cobra just as much as the next guy, but there seems to be great resistance to allowing the old muscle icon to be knocked off its admittedly incredible performance pedestal.
Wow this thread has rekindled a desire to own a cobra replica! Rolling chassis through factory five and superformance can be had for what $11k?
Add 427 LS7 and 6 speed for another $10k? You got C6 Z stomping performance for a third of the price. As long as you can live without a roof and all the creature comforts.
Say it aint so! Dropping an LS7 into a Shelby Cobra is just wrong IMHO. It would make an unbelievable ride, but I just can't morally justify it. I can stomach a 351 or some version of a big-block Ford engine, but the 427 side-oiler will be my choice when the time is right.
I'm really just kidding you about the LS7, so I hope you don't take it personally. Cobras are beautiful cars!
I'm one of the lucky/unlucky ones that owned (my father owned) a 427 Cobra (we also had a 298). The 427 was wicked fast, with our gearing you would shift from 1st (@6800) or at 100mph on the (Smith Speedo), and if it hooked up in second the passanger would come away with a bruse from the seat (hoop) on their back, or wiplash at the least.
I would give the Cobra (orginal) 0-100, but the Z from there on would drive around it. (it's an areo thing).
Our 427 side oiler (when we finaly got it) tested out at 540+hp out of the box, with almost 600lbs torq. (Hufferker engineering said that it was a mid pack motor at the time 1967) Car wieght in at 2550lbs with full fuel.
The Superformance rolling chassie now sells for $41K (in Reno) this is fully assembled/painted less eng/trans. (that's SC or Roadster no side pipes) I know this because I'v been looking.
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02 Audi Allroads 2.7TT RS4spec. 03 Range Rover
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), but he was able to chase me down and pulled me soundly on the drive out of corners.
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