dundonr

I went from an 02 S2K to an 03 Cobra coupe.. I lost a little handling, but gained ALOT of acceleration, and the ability to carry my wife and son in the car...

the shifter on my car isn't bad, not as good as the S2K of course, but better than alot of other cars I've drove. The clutch is stiff, you don't want to hold it in at a light for a couple minutes, but it's easy to put into neutral and let the clutch out.

the steering on it is damn good, again not quite as good as the S2K but better than the 98 Vette I had.

now for some downsides.. the biggest is wheel hop.. it's horrible.. 1st gear when it's cold and you give it more than 3/4 throttle and all you get is wheel hop, even 2nd gear when it's cold you can get it too..

my passenger seat rubs against the door and squeaks, but there's a TSB for that

otherwise I'd definitely say the Cobra over the STi..

JonBoy

STi - more practical, quite quick, somewhat nicer inside, and you've got to love that AWD

Bullitt44

I had some seat time in a STi on new years eve and have to say the car was very impressive. I am not sure if I like the linear power band of the Sti and the boy racer looks. If I ever purchased a Sti I would have to lose that horrid rear wing and remove all the pink badging. I think I would love the STI for about 30 days and then get real tired of the styling. I have driven the terminator (03-04 Cobra) and have seen some crazy HPs. I do like the styling of the Cobra better and the perforance is enjoyable. I would go for the Mustang.

gomarlins3

For going straight- Mustang Cobra, but wait for the new model.

For any other type of driving- STi (unless you get a Cobra R).