Red Mach 1 vs Silver Cobra. And the winner is... - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

Tanklawyer · 12-03-2002, 05:26 PM

The Mach 1 HANDS DOWN!!

Some of you may recall that I had both a Cobra and a Mach 1 on order. I had ordered the Mach 1 in early June, and when production was delayed, I ordered a Cobra. Then Cobra production was delayed. Anyway, the long and short of it is that both cars arrived within 24 hours of each other, and my dealership simply held both cars so that I could choose which one I wanted.

I arrived at the dealership this morning and the silver Cobra was there. A very pretty machine, to be sure. I looked it over, started it up, put it through the gears. Wonderful thing, though I thought the tranny was a bit on the heavy side (more like a tank than a sports car). I remained completely unsure, and to make matters worse, the Mach 1 was no where in sight. The dealer called the trucking company, and confirmed that the car was at the rail yard in Jessup, MD waiting to be loaded on a truck. However, the driver for the truck had just left to do a delivery in Philly, and wouldn't be back for hours. The salesperson said we could wait OR WE COULD GO PICK IT UP! We hopped into a little red Focus (whoever buys that car, thanks for letting me borrow it). After talking to half a dozen security guards, we finally found the business office and were driven (together with two nice gentlemen from Allentown who were picking up a Town Car) to the Mach. We drove by an Azure Blue one (very pretty), but I didn't get a chance to check out the VIN. Then we arrived at the red Mach. I was uncertain up until the very minute I saw it.

But once I saw it, gentlemen, all doubts were gone. IF YOU HAVE YOUR CAR ALREADY, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. IF YOU ARE WAITING, REST ASSURED THAT YOU WILL BE VERY VERY HAPPY. The car is just beautiful. Throaty exhaust, fantastic interior (I really like the IUP), light and sporty transmission (esp. compared with the Cobra). What a dream.

We got back to the dealership, and the showroom emptied. Just for fun, we did put the cars nose to nose (just so I could say that I did a "side by side" before deciding).

Well, there you have it. No contest. Not a doubt in my mind once I saw the thing.

Tanklawyer · 12-03-2002, 05:29 PM

Here's a shot of it once I got it home.

Tanklawyer · 12-03-2002, 05:30 PM

:HOPPY:

02mach1 · 12-03-2002, 05:34 PM

Alright you got your Mach1 it looks great! Have fun with it now.

Bart · 12-03-2002, 06:02 PM

Definately, the decision I'd make too!

Thanks for sharing - it makes those of us still waiting realize that it's that special.

Have a blast with the car!:THUMBSUP: :HOPPY: :HOPPY:

MidLifeC · 12-03-2002, 06:11 PM

Enjoy, there was no wrong choice.

substanger · 12-03-2002, 06:30 PM

OOH NOOO! Beautiful car (same one I have on order) but I can't believe you let that Ford dealer have FREE advertising space on your front bumper cover!! After spending upwards of $30K on your car, I can't imagine that they'd need ANY free advertising!! Enjoy your car!!!

cutter · 12-03-2002, 06:34 PM

AAAHHHH..... no license plate bolts please.....I told my saleman, no bolts, no stickers..............

Tanklawyer · 12-03-2002, 06:45 PM

Substanger:

I dig it. I just haven't had the opportunity to take it off yet. And when the tags come in, it will be a moot point.

Anyway, they were SO nice to me that I felt I could leave it on for a couple of days. After all, they let me order BOTH a Mach and a Cobra, and then held the Cobra for a day (even though there were three other people waiting for it if I didn't take it), and drove me to the rail yard to pick it up. Really nice people!

By the way, the Cobra was gone within an hour of my picking the Mach. The next guy on the list came in and picked it up right after they called him.

Tanklawyer · 12-03-2002, 06:48 PM

There's no dealer sticker, but I did have them put on the license plate bolts. Gotta have 'em in Maryland, and they will give out tickets for not having a front plage (and I have a nice big fat ticket from a few years back in my GT to prove it). So, bolts. What can you do!

Vegas Mach1 · 12-03-2002, 06:49 PM

Hey Bill great choice!
I will be waiting to hear your reviews once you get some more seat time in the Mach. A comparo to your GT would be nice to hear.

Bill S. (Are we related?, only kidding)

Tanklawyer · 12-03-2002, 07:05 PM

A few notes. Not much to report yet, since I only put 30 or so miles on it, though all on open country road so far (tomorrow it braves downtown DC).

First, that exhaust note. Much throatier than the Cobra, and with a lot more resonation. Such a sweet note. Much louder than my 99 GT.

Second, let's just talk torque. I tried really really hard to keep it under 3000 rpms, and even with such gentle treatment, this thing pushed me into the back seats.

Third, when you take your foot off the accelerator (say your in third gear slowing down on an exit ramp), the engine makes the sweetest "bla bla bla bla bla bloom bloom" sound. You know what I mean.

Fourth, the interior is a really dark charcoal grey.

Fifth, the spedo may be a bit hard to read, but it's FREAKIN' COOL!!!

Last, but NOT least, the scoop really does Shake! Esp. at start-up, but also floor it while driving and it will vibrate. The engine also shakes a bit on its mounts when you hit bumps. So satisfying.

OK. That's all I have right now. I'm sure others have more insights than I do. I will do a comparison to my departed GT when I have a few more miles on the odometer. In the interest of full disclosure, though, my GT was an automatic. I'm just really happy to have a gear shift lever again (which, if I didn't mention it, is REALLY COOL in the aluminum).

Tioga · 12-03-2002, 07:12 PM

TL , Congrats and Great choice!:THUMBSUP: :THUMBSUP:

70Mach03 · 12-03-2002, 07:53 PM

Not a bit suprised by your choice.
The TR is sweet!
Congrats & enjoy

mgk2 · 12-03-2002, 07:59 PM

Tanklawyer,

You made me wish my car was here to take. So for the worst end result. Money didn't come through as I had planned so Plantation Ford will soon have a White Mach1, 5-spd w/iup available. Tanklawyer, how do I make sure I can get on the list for next year since I couldn't take this first delivery. It came in too early for me. December instead of Feb or later as specified on delivery notes. It does say I can have my money refunded?

Need advice I now know my first choice will not be in my posession:HOPPY: :HOPPY:

Now I want to make the same request for next year's model!
Mike

GR8 WYT · 12-03-2002, 08:04 PM

Tank, congrats! My mach is at the dealers getting the lo-jack and silencer alarm put it...but I will be calling you at work to walk down and see it...I almost ordered red...but thought it too orange...just want to see it in person. Talk to you Wednesday!!! By the way, you made the right choice! I have been ripping down K street all alone lately...now we both can do it!!

shaggy · 12-03-2002, 08:28 PM

Excellent choice :THUMBSUP:

Tanklawyer · 12-03-2002, 08:39 PM

GR8:

Give me a call. I'm around all day tomorrow except for a meeting from 12:30 to around 2pm. Otherwise, I'm around. Color isn't really orange at all. Very red.

Give me a couple of days before we race: I've got to break her in first!!!

B.

34Ford · 12-03-2002, 08:48 PM

Hey Tanklawyer,

Ya got a larger pic of your car you can email me?

I like the one on the street with the houses. Thats sweet.

Oh my, Im feeling kinda weak.:THUMBSUP:

Dennis

Tanklawyer · 12-03-2002, 10:37 PM

:OFFTOPIC:

BTW, I did decide what tunes to select for the ride home. No, not The Who (see Pete Townshend avatar to left). In fact, I decided not to take ANY music. I just wanted to listen to that dual overhead cam 4.6 liter aluminum music machine that came with the car. Glad I did. What a wonderful sound.

TRMach1 · 12-03-2002, 11:43 PM

That was a tough choice to have to make between the Cobra and the Mach 1. I almost went with the snake, but man am I glad I waited this torture ride out! This car has a cool quotient that is off the charts, and it don't sound too bad either.:THUMBSUP:

03elanor · 12-04-2002, 08:58 AM

Wow congrats Tanklawer.

After seeing my Mach1 I absolutely know why you went with the Mach1. The cobra is fast but on looks doesn't even compare in my book. I think I need to definitely take a trip to Md. I mean you, Gr8 and me. RED White and Blue mach1's That would be great photo.

Tanklawyer · 12-04-2002, 11:30 AM

03elanor:

GR8 just left my office We'll all have to get together and go cruising!

Bart · 12-04-2002, 02:06 PM

...Just want to say to each of you - thanks for sharing your impressions. For those of us still waiting, it's truely music to our ears. Most of us will gobble up any info you care to post.

So, again thanks and plz keep the info flowing!

:THUMBSUP:

12-03-2002, 05:26 PM	#1
Tanklawyer Long Live Mach Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Chevy Chase, MD Posts: 413	Red Mach 1 vs Silver Cobra. And the winner is... The Mach 1 HANDS DOWN!! Some of you may recall that I had both a Cobra and a Mach 1 on order. I had ordered the Mach 1 in early June, and when production was delayed, I ordered a Cobra. Then Cobra production was delayed. Anyway, the long and short of it is that both cars arrived within 24 hours of each other, and my dealership simply held both cars so that I could choose which one I wanted. I arrived at the dealership this morning and the silver Cobra was there. A very pretty machine, to be sure. I looked it over, started it up, put it through the gears. Wonderful thing, though I thought the tranny was a bit on the heavy side (more like a tank than a sports car). I remained completely unsure, and to make matters worse, the Mach 1 was no where in sight. The dealer called the trucking company, and confirmed that the car was at the rail yard in Jessup, MD waiting to be loaded on a truck. However, the driver for the truck had just left to do a delivery in Philly, and wouldn't be back for hours. The salesperson said we could wait OR WE COULD GO PICK IT UP! We hopped into a little red Focus (whoever buys that car, thanks for letting me borrow it). After talking to half a dozen security guards, we finally found the business office and were driven (together with two nice gentlemen from Allentown who were picking up a Town Car) to the Mach. We drove by an Azure Blue one (very pretty), but I didn't get a chance to check out the VIN. Then we arrived at the red Mach. I was uncertain up until the very minute I saw it. But once I saw it, gentlemen, all doubts were gone. IF YOU HAVE YOUR CAR ALREADY, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. IF YOU ARE WAITING, REST ASSURED THAT YOU WILL BE VERY VERY HAPPY. The car is just beautiful. Throaty exhaust, fantastic interior (I really like the IUP), light and sporty transmission (esp. compared with the Cobra). What a dream. We got back to the dealership, and the showroom emptied. Just for fun, we did put the cars nose to nose (just so I could say that I did a "side by side" before deciding). Well, there you have it. No contest. Not a doubt in my mind once I saw the thing. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Bill S. 2003 Mach 1 (Torch Red 5-sp with IUP) VIN #344918 Built 11/12/02 Delivered 12/3/02 Sold 3/13/06

12-03-2002, 05:29 PM	#2
Tanklawyer Long Live Mach Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Chevy Chase, MD Posts: 413	Another photo Here's a shot of it once I got it home. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Bill S. 2003 Mach 1 (Torch Red 5-sp with IUP) VIN #344918 Built 11/12/02 Delivered 12/3/02 Sold 3/13/06

12-03-2002, 05:30 PM	#3
Tanklawyer Long Live Mach Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Chevy Chase, MD Posts: 413	And one more :HOPPY: Attached Thumbnails __________________ Bill S. 2003 Mach 1 (Torch Red 5-sp with IUP) VIN #344918 Built 11/12/02 Delivered 12/3/02 Sold 3/13/06

12-03-2002, 05:34 PM	#4
02mach1 Cofounder in Memoriam 1967-2012 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Hurricane,WV Posts: 11,826	Alright you got your Mach1 it looks great! Have fun with it now. __________________ 1989 LX 25thAnniv.Mustang 1999 35th Anniv. Mustang 2003 Azure Blue Auto. MACH1 VIN#1FAFP42R83F366627 production 12/2/02- Build 12/6/02 Delivered home 12/16/02 Founder of Intl.SN95LMMOCR for all 79-05 Mustangs 1st Late Model Mustang Club since 1993 C/O Founder of Mach1 Registry AIM Shows MCA #29082,MCA Judge for 79-04 Mustangs www.mustang.org MACH1REGISTRY Member#2 _______________________ Intl.SN95 Late Model Mustang Owners Club & Registry Vote for the Intl.SN95 Late Model Mustang Owners Club and Registry on Stangnet here. 1st Mach1 in the State of WV Here's pics of my Mach1 http://mach1registry.org/photopost/d...mach2.JPG?6804

12-03-2002, 06:02 PM	#5
Bart Guest Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 642	How Cool! Definately, the decision I'd make too! Thanks for sharing - it makes those of us still waiting realize that it's that special. Have a blast with the car!:THUMBSUP: :HOPPY: :HOPPY:

12-03-2002, 06:11 PM	#6
MidLifeC Got Boost? Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Livonia, MI Posts: 160	Enjoy, there was no wrong choice. __________________ 2003 Ebony Cobra Coupe Born 10/02 Silencer removed, K&N drop in Bassani SS cat back

12-03-2002, 06:30 PM	#7
substanger MachJunkie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: KC area Posts: 2,251	Free Advertising OOH NOOO! Beautiful car (same one I have on order) but I can't believe you let that Ford dealer have FREE advertising space on your front bumper cover!! After spending upwards of $30K on your car, I can't imagine that they'd need ANY free advertising!! Enjoy your car!!! __________________ Past Mustang Ownership...'03 Mach 1 (Sold 11/07/06), '84 GT-5 speed-my first 'stang; '91 GT-5 speed; '70 M-code(351C) Mach 1; '95 Supercharged GT-S, 5 speed, totalled; '95 GT-S, 5 speed-replacement for totalled GT-S; '90 LX 5.0 5 speed; '89 LX 5.0 convertible 5 speed; '69 M-code(351W) Mach 1, 4 speed, A/C, fold down, slats, both spoilers; '90 LX 5.0 convertible.

12-03-2002, 06:34 PM	#8
cutter Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Indianapolis,IN Posts: 293	AAAHHHH..... no license plate bolts please.....I told my saleman, no bolts, no stickers..............

12-03-2002, 06:45 PM	#9
Tanklawyer Long Live Mach Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Chevy Chase, MD Posts: 413	Substanger: I dig it. I just haven't had the opportunity to take it off yet. And when the tags come in, it will be a moot point. Anyway, they were SO nice to me that I felt I could leave it on for a couple of days. After all, they let me order BOTH a Mach and a Cobra, and then held the Cobra for a day (even though there were three other people waiting for it if I didn't take it), and drove me to the rail yard to pick it up. Really nice people! By the way, the Cobra was gone within an hour of my picking the Mach. The next guy on the list came in and picked it up right after they called him. __________________ Bill S. 2003 Mach 1 (Torch Red 5-sp with IUP) VIN #344918 Built 11/12/02 Delivered 12/3/02 Sold 3/13/06

12-03-2002, 06:48 PM	#10
Tanklawyer Long Live Mach Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Chevy Chase, MD Posts: 413	There's no dealer sticker, but I did have them put on the license plate bolts. Gotta have 'em in Maryland, and they will give out tickets for not having a front plage (and I have a nice big fat ticket from a few years back in my GT to prove it). So, bolts. What can you do! __________________ Bill S. 2003 Mach 1 (Torch Red 5-sp with IUP) VIN #344918 Built 11/12/02 Delivered 12/3/02 Sold 3/13/06

12-03-2002, 06:49 PM	#11
Vegas Mach1 Strip Cruzer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 453	Hey Bill great choice! I will be waiting to hear your reviews once you get some more seat time in the Mach. A comparo to your GT would be nice to hear. Bill S. (Are we related?, only kidding) __________________ Member #18 C63 AMG Black/Black (fast!!) #1 Azure Blue #366768 Built 12/10/02, home 12/24/02 #2 Dark Shadow Grey #451214 Built 7/06/03, home 9/1/03

12-03-2002, 07:05 PM	#12
Tanklawyer Long Live Mach Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Chevy Chase, MD Posts: 413	That engine A few notes. Not much to report yet, since I only put 30 or so miles on it, though all on open country road so far (tomorrow it braves downtown DC). First, that exhaust note. Much throatier than the Cobra, and with a lot more resonation. Such a sweet note. Much louder than my 99 GT. Second, let's just talk torque. I tried really really hard to keep it under 3000 rpms, and even with such gentle treatment, this thing pushed me into the back seats. Third, when you take your foot off the accelerator (say your in third gear slowing down on an exit ramp), the engine makes the sweetest "bla bla bla bla bla bloom bloom" sound. You know what I mean. Fourth, the interior is a really dark charcoal grey. Fifth, the spedo may be a bit hard to read, but it's FREAKIN' COOL!!! Last, but NOT least, the scoop really does Shake! Esp. at start-up, but also floor it while driving and it will vibrate. The engine also shakes a bit on its mounts when you hit bumps. So satisfying. OK. That's all I have right now. I'm sure others have more insights than I do. I will do a comparison to my departed GT when I have a few more miles on the odometer. In the interest of full disclosure, though, my GT was an automatic. I'm just really happy to have a gear shift lever again (which, if I didn't mention it, is REALLY COOL in the aluminum). __________________ Bill S. 2003 Mach 1 (Torch Red 5-sp with IUP) VIN #344918 Built 11/12/02 Delivered 12/3/02 Sold 3/13/06

12-03-2002, 07:12 PM	#13
Tioga The Hammer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tioga Center, NY Posts: 175	great choice TL , Congrats and Great choice!:THUMBSUP: :THUMBSUP:

12-03-2002, 07:53 PM	#14
70Mach03 machaholic Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: West Haven,CT Posts: 245	Not a bit suprised by your choice. The TR is sweet! Congrats & enjoy __________________ DSG mach1 5sp. Ordered:6/28/02 Born:11/22/02 Delivered:12/9/02

12-03-2002, 07:59 PM	#15
mgk2 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Pembroke Pines,Fla Posts: 986	what an eloquent report! Tanklawyer, You made me wish my car was here to take. So for the worst end result. Money didn't come through as I had planned so Plantation Ford will soon have a White Mach1, 5-spd w/iup available. Tanklawyer, how do I make sure I can get on the list for next year since I couldn't take this first delivery. It came in too early for me. December instead of Feb or later as specified on delivery notes. It does say I can have my money refunded? Need advice I now know my first choice will not be in my posession:HOPPY: :HOPPY: Now I want to make the same request for next year's model! Mike

12-03-2002, 08:04 PM	#16
GR8 WYT Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Hughesville, Maryland Posts: 594	Gotta race ya now! Tank, congrats! My mach is at the dealers getting the lo-jack and silencer alarm put it...but I will be calling you at work to walk down and see it...I almost ordered red...but thought it too orange...just want to see it in person. Talk to you Wednesday!!! By the way, you made the right choice! I have been ripping down K street all alone lately...now we both can do it!!

12-03-2002, 08:28 PM	#17
shaggy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Scottsdale, Az Posts: 264	Excellent choice :THUMBSUP: __________________ 03 Azure Mach 1 (345525) built 11/21 picked up 12/14 K&N Triax so far

12-03-2002, 08:39 PM	#18
Tanklawyer Long Live Mach Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Chevy Chase, MD Posts: 413	GR8: Give me a call. I'm around all day tomorrow except for a meeting from 12:30 to around 2pm. Otherwise, I'm around. Color isn't really orange at all. Very red. Give me a couple of days before we race: I've got to break her in first!!! B. __________________ Bill S. 2003 Mach 1 (Torch Red 5-sp with IUP) VIN #344918 Built 11/12/02 Delivered 12/3/02 Sold 3/13/06

12-03-2002, 08:48 PM	#19
34Ford Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Western NC Posts: 178	Hey Tanklawyer, Ya got a larger pic of your car you can email me? I like the one on the street with the houses. Thats sweet. Oh my, Im feeling kinda weak.:THUMBSUP: Dennis

12-03-2002, 10:37 PM	#20
Tanklawyer Long Live Mach Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Chevy Chase, MD Posts: 413	Tunes for the ride home :OFFTOPIC: BTW, I did decide what tunes to select for the ride home. No, not The Who (see Pete Townshend avatar to left). In fact, I decided not to take ANY music. I just wanted to listen to that dual overhead cam 4.6 liter aluminum music machine that came with the car. Glad I did. What a wonderful sound. __________________ Bill S. 2003 Mach 1 (Torch Red 5-sp with IUP) VIN #344918 Built 11/12/02 Delivered 12/3/02 Sold 3/13/06

12-03-2002, 11:43 PM	#21
TRMach1 Once Bitten-Twice Shy Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: New Castle, Delaware USA Posts: 3,370	That was a tough choice to have to make between the Cobra and the Mach 1. I almost went with the snake, but man am I glad I waited this torture ride out! This car has a cool quotient that is off the charts, and it don't sound too bad either.:THUMBSUP: __________________ Mach1Registry.com Member #7 MCA Member #52787 Nice to meet you, my name's Jim 03 Torch Red Mach 1, 5-speed, IUP *Sold on July 21st 2012!* 2011 Shelby GT500, Ebony Black, Silver Stripes, 6-speed 550hp 510tq Purchased July 23, 2012!

12-04-2002, 08:58 AM	#22
03elanor Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 550	Wow congrats Tanklawer. After seeing my Mach1 I absolutely know why you went with the Mach1. The cobra is fast but on looks doesn't even compare in my book. I think I need to definitely take a trip to Md. I mean you, Gr8 and me. RED White and Blue mach1's That would be great photo. __________________ 03 Mach 1 VIN 344905 built=11-13, Delivered 11-27 Azure Blue Five Speed With Interior Upgrade That four valve sounds awesome!

12-04-2002, 11:30 AM	#23
Tanklawyer Long Live Mach Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Chevy Chase, MD Posts: 413	03elanor: GR8 just left my office We'll all have to get together and go cruising! __________________ Bill S. 2003 Mach 1 (Torch Red 5-sp with IUP) VIN #344918 Built 11/12/02 Delivered 12/3/02 Sold 3/13/06

12-04-2002, 02:06 PM	#24
Bart Guest Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 642	...Just want to say to each of you - thanks for sharing your impressions. For those of us still waiting, it's truely music to our ears. Most of us will gobble up any info you care to post. So, again thanks and plz keep the info flowing! :THUMBSUP:

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)