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Ever since the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R came out, muscle car enthusiasts have gotten their hands on one of the most advanced machines under the $100,000 price tag around. With most rivals being decent daily drivers that can only set straight-line speed records, the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R is quite different from them. This Ford comes with an advanced 5.4-liter DOHC modular V8 engine under the hood and has all the other components to make it a hoot to drive both on racetracks and drag strips.
It was the first Mustang variant to come with independent front and rear suspension and reinforced shocks helped with flat cornering. The lower height and leading aerodynamic elements make it a looker even after more than two decades of launch. With only 300 cars built, the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R is highly desirable on the used car market. Before going ahead with buying a Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R, here are 10 things you need to know about it.
10/10 The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R Is A Race Ready Sports Car
The 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R comes with a long list of upgrades to make it a perfect choice for track days when compared to the regular Mustang. The car underwent drastic weight reduction removing the audio system, infotainment system, air conditioning, cruise control, and even the rear seat.
Improved aerodynamics with a large front splitter, power dome on the hood, gills, and a massive air spoiler have also helped. However, the biggest changes come in the form of lowered Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks and struts, Brembo brakes, upgraded exhaust and headers, and sticky rubber on lighter alloy wheels.
9/10 The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R is Quite Rare
With only 300 cars built, the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R is one of the rarest Mustangs you can buy. What made it so desirable was its top-notch engineering and mechanicals, making it very different from other Mustangs of the time.
Unlike the cheaper SVT Mustang Cobra, the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R also received many interior and exterior changes. As a result, 300 cars were sold before its launch. The Mustang SVT Cobra R has also retained its value in the used car market.
8/10 The V8 Engine In The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R Made It Drive
The 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R was very different from the other SN-99 Mustangs of the same era when it came to the powertrain. With a 5.4-liter DOHC modular V8 engine that produces 385 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque, this is a fast car.
This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and the power goes through the rear wheels. The limited slip differential made it easy to drive the car to the limits and this V8 engine was more fun than the 4.6-liter V8 that came with the SVT Mustang Cobra.
7/10 The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R Is Missing Many Features Offered In Regular Mustangs
One thing that may disappoint regular buyers is the fact that the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R misses out on many key features. Luxury and comfort were not high on Ford’s list when designing the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R and that shows the moment you step into the cabin of this pony car.
This Mustang does not get air conditioning, cruise control, and leather upholstery. The impressive audio system that comes with other monikers of the same generation Mustang is also not available. The lack of a rear seat means it can only accommodate the driver and one passenger.
6/10 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R Has a Sportier Cabin
Although the drastic weight reduction of the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R resulted in many important features being removed, the cabin looks quite sporty. The sporty Recaro front seats hug the driver and passenger when going around corners.
The cloth upholstery of the Recaro seats makes it more comfortable. The dark charcoal color palette of the cabin gels well with the overall personality of the Mustang SVT Cobra R. The chunky steering wheel and the clean dials also add to the sporty touch of the cabin.
5/10 The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R Is Not Very Practical Inside
Practicality takes a back seat for the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R as this is a true blue track car that is also road legal. This means it won’t tick all the boxes if you’re looking for something comfortable and roomy.
The front row of the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R offers 38.1″ of headroom, 42.6″ of legroom, and 53.6″ of shoulder room. However, rear seats aren’t even an option. There isn’t much interior storage space. of the cabin too.
4/10 The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R Is A Gas Guzzler
The 5.4-liter modular V8 in the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R is not known for being an economical powertrain. With close to 400 hp of output, this moniker could only do 13 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highways, making it the biggest gas hog of the 2000 Mustang lineup.
Combined gas mileage of 15 MPG means you don’t want to use the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R as a daily driver. In comparison, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is slightly more fuel efficient, even though it has the same engine size that provides nearly identical horsepower and torque figures.
3/10 Reliability has always been excellent in the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
As with other Mustangs of the time, reliability was not something that was a major concern. The 5.4-liter modular V8 engine is pretty bulletproof and doesn’t have many customer complaints on user forums. This engine was also used in many other Ford products such as the Ford F-150, Ford F-150 SVT Lightning, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford GT.
This also means that parts are readily available for the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R. They are also affordable. Common issues with this engine include minor ignition system problems, fuel pump driver module problems, and timing chain tensioner issues. Aside from these issues, clutch wear is high, and some owners have also reported peeling paint and electrical gremlins.
2/10 Aftermarket Performance Parts Are Easily Available For Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
The aftermarket mod potential of the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R is great. This means owners can customize this Mustang to the core to their liking. Standard performance mods such as exhausts, upgraded headers, intake manifolds, and performance tunes help the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R break the 500-hp barrier without issues.
This engine is also popular for getting more horsepower and torque without the need for upgraded internals. Other standard mods include a cold air intake, a forced induction system, and upgraded wheels and tires. External mods such as body kits and carbon fiber elements are also available.
1/10 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R Is Quite Expensive To Buy
If you’re expecting the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R to be a cheap car to buy, you’d be sorely mistaken. Unlike regular SN-99 Mustangs, this moniker is highly valued in the used car market. Because of this, petrolheads on a budget are quite hard to come by.
The low production numbers make it very desirable. The average selling price of a 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R over the last five years is $76,898 according to classic.com. The lowest sale was $41,800 in 2018 for a car with 10,000 miles. However, an SVT Cobra R recently sold on Bring A Trailer for a whopping $121,000.
Sources: Allfordmustangs.com, Edmunds, Classic.com, Bring A Trailer
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