Should I buy

[bbrock]

I am looking at buying a new 03 SVT and would like to know what others think. I a stuck between this and a BMW M3. Can anyone hape me to make an informed decision. Love the HP on the SVT but not sure about the handling. I own a 73 Porsche 911 and I love the way it handles. Can anyone help.

[97whitevert]

You know the answer you will get on here!

I too looked at a BMW before I got the 97. I still love the 97, but the 03 kicks a$$ !! I did not drive the bmw to be honest. the 03 handles like it is on rails, straight from the box. No, it is not a limber little thing- it drives more like a race car than a luxury car. This is not a luxury car- we are talking pure bang for the buck.

If you can drive both, drive before you purchase. What do you want the car for? Then make your decision.

The guys on here are very knowledgeable, and are more than willing to answer any questions that you have.
Good luck!!


:thumbsup:

[bbrock]

I mainly want it for an everyday driver. My 911 has no heat or air but is very fast. So, I want it all. That is what everyone wants. I would love to get a car that I can take on a curvy track on the weekends as well as drive to work everyday. Is this it? In order to ge an M3, I would have to get a used one. 2000 model. So that is hanging over my head. But, I cannot ignore the shear power of the SVT. I am just not able to get crazy on a test drive. Anyone have experience on a track? How does the car really handle curves?

Are there fairly inexpensive add on's that can imporve the cornering or is it even needed. I do not want a car that can oly go fast in a straight line.

I know what answers I would get on this forum but I also belive that people driving this car also respect BMS's as they are also great cars.

Thanks for any help.

[97whitevert]

i have taken the 03 on a road course even though I swore that i wasn't going to. I thought that it handled great- like i said, bone stock. The handling was right there; no having to fight it through then turns- no 'man-handling' needed.

For an all around car, I don't know that it can be beat. I can drive it to work, and then to the track on the weekends with minimal work ( ok no work for me, i leave that to my crew chief).

This being said, the 03 is NOT my track car, and I DON'T plan on taking it out again. I want my 89 so I can drive with all the safety equipment inside. VIR here I come!!:thumbsup:

[johnbasf]

Boy am I gonna here it!!! Get the M3.:D You will never get a Mustang to handle like a M3. Sorry guys ans gals.

[Big Daddy]

Originally posted by johnbasf
Boy am I gonna here it!!! Get the M3.:D You will never get a Mustang to handle like a M3. Sorry guys ans gals.

Because of the Mustangs frame it is severly deficient out of the box....BUT you can make it handle like it's on rails IF you spend the bucks on bracing, k-member, and IRS geometry fix, all of which will cost you some $$$'s. So if you want stock to stock to go to a road course I agree with John the M3 is the way to go. If you want power and have the extra bucks to work on the suspension then the '03 is the bomb! :D

[bbrock]

How much are we talikng about to upgrade the suspension? I do not even know where to start looking for upgrades. This ia a hard choice. I am having a hard time getting over the extra HP.

[BlackCoupe]

Being a rookie to fast cars and handeling my knowledge is very limited to offer you some sound advice. All I can tell you is that I love the way this car handles. I have taken my 03 Cobra on a road course with only the full length subframe connector modification. I was very pleased at how easy the vehicle took the corners with no oversteer (unless I wanted too) or understeer. And, I was equally pleased at how fast I could gain speed going down the straight aways. Just my 2 cents.

One thing you might consider if this is going to be your everyday driver...., I've heard these cars don't really handle that well in the snow? I haven't tried it myself, and don't plan on finding out either!

It's hard to turn away from this much power!!
Good luck!

[bbrock]

The snow is another issue. I live in Ohio. Dayton, so we do not get a lot of snow but will these cars drive at all in the snow. I used to own a turbo 944 and you could not go anywhere in the snow but that car did not have traction control. Anyone with experience in the snow?

This is a hard decision. I am worried about getting a used M3 as it will most likely have been driven hard. A new convertible SVT with all that power is hard to pass up. I guess I will just have to make up my mind and go with it. But anyone with snow experience would help.

[BlackCoupe]

Here you go BBROCK, this might help as there are plenty of opinions here.

Anyone drive their 03 Cobra in the snow? (http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=50698&highlight=snow)

[redsnake99]

Mine is definitely not a snow car, but I love passing M3's on the track. M5's are a little tougher to deal with. And I still spent less than an M3 would have cost me.
;)

[bbrock]

Well I just tried to get one today. My gosh they will not deal on them. They give you $2500 off the sticker and that is it. I have never had that happen to be before. I refuse to pay 37,500 for a convertible SVT. This is the end of the year for them they should deal. The place I went to had about 20 SVT's all 03. They will not deal at all. Oh well I guess people are paying full price for them. Anyone get a good deal out there on an 03 convertible? If so let me know and I will call them. Dayton Ohio sucks for buying a SVT.

[cobrabitn]

Honestly, that's a great deal. When they were first coming out, they wanted up to 5 grand over sticker. Trust me, I'd go for it!:thumbsup:

[BlackCoupe]

bbrock. Check this link out:

Ohio dealer (http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53173)

[Sonic Blue]

Like I told my friend who bought an M3

"Next time you go to buy a car, take a man with you!:D

[Mephisto]

Perhaps buy an M4 if you have the cash.

For cheap speed thrill you just can't beat the 03 Cobra.

Try a convertable if you really wnat your life to pass before your eyes at about 140 mph on a short piece of highway.

[95cobraR]

A friend (girl) bought a new M3. I thought it was a nice luxury sports sedan. It is a heavy car. Soft suspension and perfect for her. If I bought a M-car, I think the M5 is the best (be sure and bring allot of $$).

Unless you are rich, I would check resell values. Car salesman/dealers tell me the Rice/European luxury car values will kill you at trade-in time. See kbb.com

Good luck

[cobravenom]

hell, if you have the money, skip the m3 and get the m5. my lawyer has one and it is fast and stylish. he has an m3 with the auto-stick/clutchless option. just as nice but wont keep up with the exotics like the m5. if youre feeling young, (dont know your age, im 43) buy the cobra, i just did last month. i love it, doesnt have the top end or handling as my camaro or nsx, but good 1/4 mile car.

[bbrock]

Well sorry everyone. I bought an M3. I just cannot see paying full sticker price for a car. Nothing wrong with the SVT just refuse to pay full price. Maybe another day when they decide to deal.

[cobrabitn]

That's too bad because they are giving $5,000.00 off sticker here in NC....:(

Have fun with your new ride!:thumbsup:

[BlackCoupe]

Originally posted by bbrock
Well sorry everyone. I bought an M3. I just cannot see paying full sticker price for a car. Nothing wrong with the SVT just refuse to pay full price. Maybe another day when they decide to deal.

I had a feeling that this was the direction you were leaning. To each their own.
Congrats .... wanna race?

:thumbsup:

[bbrock]

Sure on a windy track. No doubt you will take me in the straight away. But I have to tell you the M3 sure do handle a lot better in the corners. But, I still like that power off the line that the 390 HP gives you. Two great cars. I live close to Mid Ohio so I think the M3 is better suited for that track.

See ya all on the road.

[cobrabitn]

Bbrock,

We are having an open track event in MI next week. It's not too far from ohio. Go and join the rest of the crowd as there will be several 03 Cobras there, some Vipers, and a mix of other vehicles.

Enjoy your new ride!:thumbsup:

[Swede]

Bbrock:
if you really wanted a car that handles the track and the road you should go for an old E30 M3 sport evo (1990) not the new one ;)


Tom

[bbrock]

That would be a better choice for just a track car. But, I wanted something that I could get a warranty on as well as have low miles on. I already have a pure track car 73 911. But the M3 is a great all around driver.

[benjsss]

I heard ford is now giving $2,500 rebates for the SVT's, which is almost unheard of in the past. If you haven't gotten one yet, know is the time!
Also, be careful with the BMW M3, I heard they were having problems with the sequential gear box.
My 2003 Cobra convertable handles just fine, with only the addition of subframe connectors (about $220.00 installed).
Plus, everybody around here in California has a BMW, but not that many Snakes!!
Snow, is another deal, I used to live in Michigan; You really should have a second car with front wheel drive. I don't think the bmw with rear wheel drive (like the cobra) would handle much better.
Good luck!