Lightning. Had one and loved it but with it you get performance,handling and a truck to haul whatever or tow whatever. 01 Cobra isnt a bad car either but would take a lightning over one anyday
I have a 99 cobra that I love, but I still would choose the lightning. They hold their value better, are still really fun, and are also pretty practical.
Lightning hands down. The 01 Cobra, with no insult to owners on this site, is really nothing special in my eyes. My cousin had a Lightning and I fell in love the first time I drove it. He let it go for $8K with around 60K (I think) on it. Wish I would of had the money to buy it off of him!
Edit: I wonder if it went to anyone on here? My cousin lives in Van Nuys, it was a red lightning, a bit lowered, pretty much stock except for Bassani (I think) exhaust and the blue Ford oval on the lid of the bed was replaced with a red "Fast" (in Ford writing) oval.
As sick as lightning are....I just couldn't see me driving an auto. That's what settle's it for me. Although lightnings are sick. What are you plans? wanting to go really fast or just a nice car with some balls? The lightning is obvious better for getting big power out of because of the blower. I've never driven a lightning though...
I own a 99 cobra and a an 04 lightning. Even though my cobra is faster, I'll take my lightning over my cobra any day of the week. The Lightning is just a bad ass utility vehicle. I tow my cars to the track, haul wood from the lumber yard, haul pine straw and lawn fertilizer. If I need to I can still haul ass. Maybe I'm getting old, but for a daily driver, give me an automatic trans. A auto is a lot of fun with an aftermarket valve body.
The lightning, much more power, much more fun. Truck or not, it's still more fun than that year cobra, plus it's a truck and can be useful in other areas.
Lightning all day. I wasn't a truck guy either until I owned a Lightning. They have car-like handling and ride, also all the low end torque you will ever need to get off the line. Plus the bed and the towing=win.