newbie12

I've got my search narrowed down to this and the C-Coupe, but I can't decide. They both look awesome, although the Lightning looks a little better. Before you say, one's a truck, the other's a car, I don't plan on using it as a truck in any way so it will be driven like a car. They both are in the same ballpark regarding prices, but I just can't decide. Help!

mbtech208

I know you said it already, but these are two completely different vehicles. As far as the Lightning, it depends on what year. If it's the first generation you're considering, I'd go with the C-class. If it's the new, supercharged Lightning, I'd still probably go with the C-class because it's more practical. HOWEVER, if the Lightning was available in an extended-cab version, I'd buy the Lightning.

newbie12

No, I'm looking at the 2002 380hp Lightning vs. 2002 C-Coupe.

mbtech208

Thanks young!

I don't know, newbie. The practical side of me would buy the C-class. But how can you argue with 380 horsepower supercharged V8 versus a 4 cylinder? Okay, here: Buy a 2WD, extended-cab F150 and put the Lightning drivetrain and suspension on it.

speedfrk

Just read an article on the new Mustang Cobra. Same engine as the Lightning, but in a coupe or conv. $35,000.00 is the starting price. I would go with the Cobra over the Lightning. 35,000.00 is almost 10,000.00 more than the starting price of a C-coupe, so if you get the coupe, you have lots of room to upgrade!

Spyke

Or you could buy a Harley Edition F150 and simply switch the pulleys back to Lightning spec...

Oh wait, that's a Crew Cab, you said extended... nevermind!

MB-BOB

Newbie, you live here in Texas? Only a Texan would have such a quandry.

I've had pick-up trucks before. Absolutely no rear grip in the rain, and forget about snow. I would imagine 380 hp in the rain would be grounds for parking at the first watering hole. At least you can roll down the window and throw the dead soldiers in the bed on the way home.

Pass me the Mercedes please.

KJ-TypeR

The Ford Lightning is fast as a **** though.

It's bruised many an ego.

columbus

I never thought too much about Lightnings until the other weekend at the racetrack. One was in line next to me. Looked sharp. Thought he was just there to watch. After hanging out at the AutoX circuit, I turned to the drag strip. My mouth fell open when that sonofagun launched like a Morton-Thyocol solid booster rocket. The supercharger whistled like an aircraft engine. He put that little Cobra next to him to shame - he must have had a bad start. I forgot the exact 1/4mile speed, but it was somewhere in the 120s.
Was I ever IMPRESSED. I thought to myself, THIS could be a fun car to own. Did I say "car"?

Buellwinkle

I think the Lightning would be fun but I thought it only came as a two seater. That would be a waste for such a large vehicle. I would get the Mustang Cobra or even just the good old GT. To me the Mustang is the closest thing Ford has to the C-Coupe. I've had owned a 2001 regular cab F150 and they are a handful, they bounce until you get sick and have so-so seats and are a little rough around the edges. It was fun and fast for the 3 months I owned it but I traded it in for the coupe, comfort was the main reason.

MB-BOB

Did he lay the tailgate down to get that speed, or was it removed?

DCX Engineer

SVT better find more power for the Lightning.

2004 DODGE RAM SRT-10 coming late in 2003. 8.3L V-10 all aluminum Viper engine with 500 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque and 6-speed Viper trans. Check out the buzz news at car-truck.com

0-60 in 5.0 sec, 0-100-0 in 18 sec, .92g, 150 mph top speed. Car-truck.com is reporting pricing at $35,000!!! and claiming not Limited Production. Look out Lighting!

columbus

No, it looked bone stock; that's why I was so surprised to see it coming out of the gate like a jet-powered greyhound. He may have had a bed cover, but frankly, I was too low sitting in my coupe to tell for sure.