'33 vs Cobra vs Daytona Handling

[Just 1 More]

Do y'all think the '33 comes close to the handling abilities of the Cobra and/or the Daytona?

[cob427sc]

If you read the FFR info the answer is yes. However, it really depends entirely on the build specifics and how the suspension, tires, etc are specified. You would need to have comparison of 4 link/3 link/ IRS being all the same. I have built, owned and driven all 3 models and they all handled differently as they all had different build scenarios. The coupe handled the best but it had IRS, better tires and wheels, etc. My impression if they were all spec'd exactly the same the average street machine would all be about the same, If driven hard on the track my vote would go for the coupe handling best.

[RoadRacer]

Fun question!!

I only have the 33, but the front suspension design gives it some unsprung weight advantage. The rear suspension seems to be shared amongst the others you mention.

But you need to compare f/r weight distribution and wheelbase too:

Roadster:

Weight: 2,250 lbs.
Weight Distribution F/R: 46.9/53.1 (percent)
Wheelbase: 90 inches
Overall Length: 158 inches
Front Track: 58.5 inches
Rear Track: 58.5 inches

33 hot rod:

Weight: 2,250 Lbs. Est.
Weight Distribution F/R: 50.0/50.0 (Percent)
Wheelbase: 112 in.
Overall Length: 154 in.
Front Track: 54.5 in.
Rear Track: 60.0 in.

65 coupe

Weight: 2400 lbs.
Weight: Distribution F/R 43/57 (Percent)
Wheelbase: 95 in.
Overall length: 173 in.
Overall width: 72 in.
Track F/R: 58.5 in./60 in.


The hotrod looks the best setup to me but I may be biased LOL. Longer wheelbase = more stable. lowest weight. best weight distribution. can run fenderless so unlimited for wheels/tires!

of course it is the least aerodynamic BY A LOT, so there is that . But aerodynamics don't matter in autocross (tell me I'm wrong!) and as Ferrari (may) have said - aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines. j/k

[GoDadGo]

Here You Go!
Just understand that the 33 Hot Rod was from Ride Tech.
That car, back in the day, won the Optima Street Car Challenge.
Though this video is old, the cars haven't changed all that much.
The biggest improvement is the current IRS came on the scene in 2015.
This video was done long before the current IRS upgrade became an option.
The current Type-65 uses all the same suspension components, but the frame 10 times better.

https://youtu.be/V96-AQ1FghI

[Just 1 More]

Here You Go!
Just understand that the 33 Hot Rod was from Ride Tech.
That car, back in the day, won the Optima Street Car Challenge.
Though this video is old, the cars haven't changed all that much.
The biggest improvement is the current IRS came on the scene in 2015.
This video was done long before the current IRS upgrade became an option.
The current Type-65 uses all the same suspension components, but the frame 10 times better.

https://youtu.be/V96-AQ1FghI

I actually talked with Brett Voelkel about that '33 build and the changes that were made took it from a FFR to a Ridetech Frankenstein. I have the list of changes he made and the advice he gave me. From the conversation I had with him he said "that car was ffr in title and some body parts only. EVERYTHING else was custom fabricated from scratch."

[edwardb]

I've had Roadsters of several flavors, the Gen3 Coupe, and a Hot Rod Truck. A close cousin of the 33 Hot Rod. I'm a 99% street driver, so take this for what it's worth. Best handling for me is the Coupe, followed by the Roadsters, and then the truck. The Coupe is like it's on rails. The Roadsters were decent, especially the last one we had which was the 20th Anniversary with IRS, upgraded shocks, anti-sway bars, etc. Our Coupe has the exact configuration, but I think the slightly longer wheelbase helps quite a bit. The newer very stiff frame has to help too. We only put about 1,000 miles on the truck. But drove it enough to get a good feel for it. It was fine, and the even longer wheelbase was a positive. But it sits higher. It only comes in solid axle which in my experience is a negative compared to the IRS in the Coupe and last Roadster. Also wasn't a fan of the electric power steering. The hydraulic KRC setup in the Coupe and last Roadster was vastly better. Bottom line, they're all good. With lots of variables that could affect your experience.