1998 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Review

The SVT Mustang Cobra is the most exciting 1998 Ford model, with exclusive items such as a powerful V-8 that actually is hand-built.

The SVT Cobra is reminiscent of the mid-1960s Shelby Mustang GT-350, which was a race-winning version of the first Mustang modified by legendary specialty car builder Carroll Shelby.

In an adventuresome move, the Hertz rental car firm rented GT-350s to the public after painting them Hertz's corporate colors. The fast, noisy, rough-riding GT-350 was appreciated by auto buffs and racers, but came as quite a surprise to average car renters who happened to get one.

In contrast, the SVT Cobra is smooth, quiet and civilized--and would have easily outrun the GT-350. It's the product of Ford's elite Special Vehicle Team (SVT), which has modified a limited number of Ford cars and trucks since 1993. The vehicles are sold through some 600 Ford dealers trained to sell and service them.

The coupe version of the SVT Cobra has a $25,710 base price, while the convertible costs $28,510. About 35 percent of SVT Cobra sales are convertibles, but an increasing number of buyers want that model, said SVT spokesman James Sawyer.

The convertible is built pretty tight, with few typical convertible shakes or shudders, and its power convertible top goes up and down quickly. But the car's big windshield is placed very close to front-seat occupants and thus robs some of the ``open-air'' feel during top-down driving.

Approximately 10,000 Cobra SVTs will be built this year. New for the 1998 model are alloy wheels similar to those on the 1995 limited-production Mustang Cobra R race car and new blue and yellow paint colors.

Both the coupe and convertible are well-equipped, with everything from air conditioning and anti-lock brakes to power windows and speed control. Standard for the coupe and a $1,040 option for the convertible is an Electronics and Leather Trim package, which contains leather seats, upgraded sound system and anti-theft alarm.

There's also a $195 rear spoiler for both models. But no automatic transmission is offered because this is a serious driver's car.

The manual is rather notchy and works with a somewhat stiff, long-throw clutch. But one need not shift gears much to get good performance because the dual-overhead-camshaft SVT Cobra V-8 generates a neck-snapping 300 foot-pounds of torque.

This 4.6-liter, 32-valve engine is a thing of beauty. It produces 305-horsepower and whisks the SVT Cobra from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in 5.7 seconds. Top speed is 152-m.p.h.--if you can find a race track.

The most horsepower from a regular Mustang is 225 in the GT V-8 model. And the GT V-8 isn't hand-assembled, as is the SVT Cobra V-8; it gets a metal plate engraved with signatures of the two-person team who built it.

Nobody buys a car like the SVT Cobra for high fuel economy, but this Mustang delivers a decent 17 m.p.g. in the city and 26 on highways. The V-8 loafs at about 2,000 r.p.m. at 65 m.p.h. in fifth gear, although a downshift to fourth is needed for a fast 65-75 m.p.h. passing maneuver.

There's more to the SVT Cobra than the special engine. For instance, the Special Vehicle Team modifies the regular Mustang suspension for better handling and adds massive disc brakes and big, high-performance tires. There are unique gauges that are easily scanned, custom fog lights, Cobra fender emblems and an SVT badge on the trunk. There's also a traditional performance car dual-exhaust-pipe setup that emits a delightfully sporty sound.

Steering is quick with good road feel, and handling is excellent. The ride is comfortable, despite a fairly short wheelbase and rather firm suspension. Braking is outstanding, although the pedal feels somewhat stiff.

As with all Mustangs, the racy looking SVT Cobra has just average front room for two tall occupants--and a 6-footer will find the driver's seat doesn't slide back far enough from the pedals. The backseat is strictly for kids. Although small, the usefully shaped trunk will swallow a fair amount of soft luggage for weekend getaways.

The SVT Mustang Cobra is one of those cars that makes owners look for excuses to take such trips.