Audi S5 convertible vs AC Cobra replica ?

[PhileasFrog]

Hello
With the sunny days approaching, I fancy a convertible car. I have a Golf R which I love and I see 2 options:

1) trade in the Golf R and get an Audi S5 convertible which works as an everyday car. It would be the new model from 2017.

2) keep the Golf R and get an AC Cobra replica as a weekend car. The latter has the benefit that it doesn’t depreciate as fast but it’s less practical.

Both options have similar cost. Any comments ?

[Xcore]

Keep golf and look at a Griffith 450/500

[PhileasFrog]

Thanks Xcore, I did consider TVR but was worried about their reliability. The AC Cobra also offer a classic look.

[Xcore]

Tvrs are basically a plastic body with an old rover v8in, not complicated and not too dissimilar to a kit car! Iv got a chimaera and its a proper event to drive like any old opened top car would be.

Yea they don’t hold the classic cobra shape,
But at least tvrs are built to roughly the same standard, unlike kits where each one is pretty much individual in terms of build quality and fit n finish.

[soad]

Depends on the engine in the Cobra.

[ZX10R NIN]

As above it depends on the kit & engine combo when it comes to the Cobra but I'd definitely go the Cobra route.

[PhileasFrog]

Good point that the build quality of the Cobra replicas vary greatly. I’m considering a replica with a Ford 5.0 litre V8 engine which should more than enough based on the weight of the car.

[JohnnyRevPants]

If you can afford it, definitely go the Cobra route. Shouldn't lose any/much money (unlike the S5) and will give you a ridiculous feel good factor.

Plus, as Clarkson said. The only person to look good sitting in a 4 seater German convertible was Hitler.....

[Belle427]

PhileasFrog said:

Good point that the build quality of the Cobra replicas vary greatly. I’m considering a replica with a Ford 5.0 litre V8 engine which should more than enough based on the weight of the car.

I used to own a self built Gardner Douglas with a ford 302 engine, lovely thing but hardly used it because of our weather, the soft top I fitted spoiled the cars lines and was next to useless.
I moved on to a Tvr Chimaera which can be used in all weathers, not that you would want to though!

[Summit_Detailing]

Out of the 2 options mentioned, the Cobra is an easy winner, it'll be an event to drive every time you roll it out of the garage. The S5 is just an Audi with a reasonably powerful drive-train but in a bodystyle not designed for said drive-train.

Would an Ariel Nomad work with the numbers you need?

cheers

Chris

[PhileasFrog]

Thanks all for the feedback. I was tending to go for the Cobra replica as driving it is an event in itself. Just need to hope the weather will allow many sunny weekend drives !

[JJ55]

Another vote for the cobra. That will make you grin every time you drive it.