Cobra Imola Vs Suzuka: Which Is Right For You?
Bucket seat comparison
The Cobra Imola and the Cobra Suzuka T look almost the same from a few feet away. Both are one piece fibreglass FIA buckets in spacer fabric, both are the same height, width and depth, and both side mount. The difference is in how they hold you, and in the weight.
This is the comparison we go through across the counter, using the figures from our own listings, so you can work out which shell suits your body and your car.
- Both are approved to FIA 8855-1999 and are HANS compatible
- Both are 900mm tall, 590mm wide and 730mm deep
- Imola: 475mm base, 10.3kg. Suzuka T: 490mm base, 9kg
- Standard shells suit a 28 to 32 inch waist, GT shells 32 to 36
- Both take Cobra's Pro-Fit cushions in three thicknesses
- Side mount only, with 4, 5 and 6 point harness slots
What is on this page
What the two seats share
From the outside the two shells are the same size: 900mm tall, 590mm wide and 730mm deep. Both are approved to FIA 8855-1999, both are fully HANS compatible, and both have harness slots for 4, 5 and 6 point belts. The trim is Cobra’s spacer fabric, which is woven open so air can move against your back, and both have high lateral and kidney support with head side support built into the shell.
Both are side mount only, so they need side mounts and a subframe for the car, and both come in a standard and a GT width. The GT shell is 30mm wider and moves the waist range from 28 to 32 inches up to 32 to 36 inches.
Where they differ
| Cobra Imola | Cobra Suzuka T | |
|---|---|---|
| Base width | 475mm | 490mm |
| Weight | 10.3kg | 9kg |
| Lower body hold | Snugger | Slightly less aggressive |
| Standard waist | 28 to 32 inch | 28 to 32 inch |
| GT waist | 32 to 36 inch | 32 to 36 inch |
| Approval | FIA 8855-1999 | FIA 8855-1999 |
The Imola has the narrower base, 475mm against 490mm on the Suzuka. That 15mm gives tighter lower bolsters and a snugger hold on the hips, and it can be the difference when the seat has to clear a transmission tunnel in a tight cockpit.
The Suzuka T is the lighter shell at 9kg against 10.3kg for the Imola, and it has Cobra’s ultra low split cushioning, which drops the hip point and lets the cushion work with your legs. It is Cobra’s best selling seat, and it sits in the middle of the range between the Imola and the wider Evolution.
Neither is the better seat. If you want the snugger lower body fit and can live with the extra 1.3kg, the Imola is the one. If you would rather have the lighter shell and a slightly softer hold at the hips, take the Suzuka T.
Garreth's advice is to sit in both if you can. If not, send us your height and waist measured over the kit you drive in, not over a shirt, and we will tell you which shell and which width to order.
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Getting the fit right with Pro-Fit cushions
Both seats use Cobra’s Pro-Fit cushion set up. The back, base and leg cushions come in three thicknesses, low, medium and high, so you can make more or less room inside the shell for a closer fit. That lets one shell suit more drivers, and it is worth doing, because a seat that is too big lets you move about under load, which defeats the point of the bucket. Our guide to padding in fibreglass bucket seats explains what to expect.
Choosing between the standard and GT width is the other half of the fit. We answered that for one customer in standard or GT Suzuka for a Clio Mk2.
Mounting either seat
Both seats side mount, and high tensile mounting bolts come with the seat. You then need side mounts and a subframe for your car. Tell us the make and model and we will match the parts. FIA seats also carry an expiry tied to their date of manufacture, so if you compete, ask us for the date on the seat before you buy.
What is the difference between the Cobra Imola and the Suzuka?
The Imola has a narrower 475mm base for a snugger hold, and the Suzuka T is lighter at 9kg with a 490mm base.
Are the Cobra Imola and Suzuka FIA approved?
Yes. Both are approved to FIA 8855-1999.
What waist size do the Imola and Suzuka suit?
The standard shells suit a 28 to 32 inch waist and the GT shells a 32 to 36 inch waist.
Can I change the padding in a Cobra Imola or Suzuka?
Yes. Both use Cobra’s Pro-Fit cushions, which come in low, medium and high thicknesses.
How do the Imola and Suzuka mount?
Both are side mount only, so they need side mounts and a subframe for the car.
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Our quick answerTight tunnel? Imola. Lighter? Suzuka
The same outside size, with a narrower base on one and less weight on the other.
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