Should I Choose The Cobra Nogaro or Recaro Pole Position?
Cobra Nogaro vs. Recaro Pole Position – Which Seat is Right for You?
When it comes to upgrading your car’s interior for spirited road driving or track day action, the Cobra Nogaro Circuit and the Recaro Pole Position ABE are two of the most commonly compared fixed-back bucket seats on the market. Both seats strike a fine balance between performance-focused support and everyday usability, making them top contenders for enthusiasts who want motorsport-inspired seating without sacrificing comfort. Naturally, customers often ask us which seat is better — and the truth is, it depends entirely on your size, driving setup, and what kind of fit you prefer.
To help clear up the differences, we’ve set both seats side by side in our showroom and tested them extensively in-store. From dimensions and support levels to comfort and trim options, we’ve broken down everything you need to know. While the Recaro Pole Position ABE and the Cobra Nogaro Circuit might look alike at first glance, their sizing and ergonomics make them better suited for different drivers. Whether you’re 6 feet tall with a long torso or shorter with broader shoulders, this comparison will help you make the right decision for your driving needs. Let’s dive into the details.
Recaro Pole Position ABE – Motorsport Looks, Road Comfort
The Recaro Pole Position ABE is a classic choice for those wanting a fixed-back seat with Recaro’s legendary ergonomic support and timeless design. Trimmed in a choice of velour fabric, vinyl, or a split vinyl-suede finish, it delivers that classic Recaro look with high-quality materials throughout. Although this version of the Pole Position is not FIA approved, it’s ideal for fast road use and spirited track day driving.
Key Seat Specs & Info:
- Hip Width: 390mm
- Shoulder Width: 560mm
- Height: 880mm
- Driver Fitment: Best for 34–36” waist, under 6ft tall
- Seat Construction: GRP fibreglass shell
- Trim Options: Velour, Vinyl, or Suede/Vinyl Split
- Harness Compatibility: Suitable for 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-point harnesses
- Designed for road/track day use (not FIA-approved)
What stands out about the Pole Position ABE is its lower seating position, higher side leg bolsters, and a slightly wider overall shape through the shoulders. It’s a good match for drivers who want a snug, ergonomic seat with extra comfort room at the hips and a deeper “bucketed” feel overall.
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Cobra Nogaro Circuit – Daily Comfort with Track Intent
The Cobra Nogaro Circuit takes the same fixed-back concept and adds a few unique touches of its own. Hand-built in the UK and available in a wide range of custom trim options — including velour, vinyl/suede, leather, and even tartan, the Nogaro is all about tailored performance. Like the Recaro, it’s not FIA approved, but it’s perfect for road and track day drivers who want support and comfort in equal measure.
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Key Seat Specs & Info:
- Hip Width: 380mm
- Shoulder Width: 515mm
- Height: 895mm
- Driver Fitment: Ideal for 32–36” waist, suitable above or below 6ft
- Seat Construction: GRP fibreglass shell (with optional carbon upgrades)
- Trim Options: Soft Velour, Vinyl/Suede, Tartan, Custom Fabrics
- Harness Compatibility: 4-, 5-, or 6-point harnesses
- Handcrafted in the UK
One big benefit of the Cobra Nogaro is its taller design. The harness slots are positioned higher, which makes it a far better option for taller drivers, particularly those over 6ft, who may sit too high for the Pole Position’s harness slots to be effective.
Cobra vs. Recaro – Seat Fitment & Sizing Comparison
When comparing these two seats side by side in-store, some differences in proportions and fitment became immediately obvious.
Harness Slot Height – A Key Factor for Taller Drivers
One of the most important safety considerations when fitting a bucket seat is harness slot alignment. The Cobra Nogaro has a higher backrest design than the Recaro Pole Position ABE, which includes taller harness slot positioning. This makes the Cobra seat much better suited for taller drivers — especially those over 6ft — ensuring the harness straps feed cleanly through the slots and over the shoulders at the correct angle.
The Recaro Pole Position ABE, by contrast, features lower harness slot placement. For shorter drivers, this works perfectly. But if you’re taller and sit higher in the seat, the shoulder straps could end up rubbing against the top edge of the slots, which is unsafe in the event of an impact. Proper harness alignment is essential for safety — and this is where the Cobra Nogaro often becomes the smarter choice for taller individuals.
Shoulder Support – Wider vs. Slimmer Designs
Shoulder support plays a major role in how secure you feel in the seat, especially when cornering hard. The Recaro Pole Position ABE has broader, less pronounced shoulder wings, giving more room for drivers with wider upper torsos. This design allows better comfort for broader drivers who might feel squeezed in tighter-profile seats.
On the other hand, the Cobra Nogaro has more aggressive and tighter shoulder wings. This provides a more locked-in, race-inspired feel, which many drivers prefer. However, it can feel restrictive for those with broader shoulders, making it more ideal for slim to average builds or those wanting a closer-fitting seat.
Hip Width – Subtle But Noticeable Differences
Both seats are relatively slim in design, but there are small differences at the base that make a difference in comfort. The Recaro Pole Position ABE flares out slightly at the hip area, providing just a touch more room in the lower body — a nice bonus for those with a broader frame or who prefer extra comfort.
The Cobra Nogaro’s hip support is more compact, making the seat feel snug and more focused. It’s perfectly suited for drivers up to a 36-inch waist but can feel tight beyond that. The Recaro, with its flared base design, accommodates slightly broader drivers more comfortably.
Overall Height – The Advantage for Tall Drivers
In terms of overall seat height, the Cobra Nogaro stands taller than the Recaro Pole Position ABE. While this may not seem significant at first glance, it plays a crucial role in determining how the seat aligns with harnesses and how it fits into the vehicle’s interior.
This extra height in the Nogaro contributes to the improved harness slot alignment for taller drivers, while also enhancing upper body support. The Recaro’s lower profile design, on the other hand, makes it ideal for smaller cars or drivers looking for a lower seating position without compromising support.
Why Choose Recaro or Cobra?
So which one’s for you?
Choose the Recaro Pole Position ABE if:
- You’re under 6ft tall
- You want a wider seat with more hip and shoulder room
- You prefer a deeper, more race-inspired feel for road and track day use
Choose the Cobra Nogaro Circuit if:
- You’re 6ft or taller
- You want a taller seat with higher harness slots for correct harness alignment
- You need a more compact shoulder design to clear B-pillars or door cards
- You like customisation options (tartan? leather? your choice!)
Installation Made Easy – Fitting the Cobra Nogaro & Recaro Pole Position ABE
When it comes to installing either the Cobra Nogaro or Recaro Pole Position ABE, both seats follow the same universal mounting method — they’re side-mounted, meaning they require side mount brackets for proper installation. This makes them extremely versatile and ideal for a wide range of vehicle setups.
You can opt for universal side mounts, which are compatible with both seat models, or go for seat-specific side mounts that are shaped to the contours of each seat shell. These seat-specific brackets offer a more tailored and flush fit with the fibreglass shell, providing a cleaner finish and slightly better alignment, especially for road cars where aesthetics matter just as much as function.
For everyday usability and adjustability, both seats are fully compatible with 345mm handle-style sliding runner kits. This adds a forward and backward adjustment range, ideal for cars that are shared between multiple drivers or for those who still want some flexibility in their driving position — something fixed bucket seats don’t always allow by default.
Better still, 345mm bolt pattern sliders are compatible with most vehicle-specific sub-frames from top brands like Sparco, OMP, Planted Technology, and Corbeau. Since 345mm is one of the most common base mounting patterns in the aftermarket seat world, finding fitting hardware to suit your car is straightforward. This makes installing either seat into your road or track car that much simpler and stress-free.
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Harness Safety – Why Fitment and Height Matter
One of the most important points when choosing a bucket seat is harness slot alignment. If you’re sitting too high and your harness straps exit the seat below your shoulders, the belts can pull downwards during a crash. This creates pressure on the spine and can lead to serious injury. For this reason, correct harness guide alignment is essential, and why we recommend the Cobra Nogaro over the Recaro for taller drivers.
Always choose a seat that allows your harness to run horizontally or slightly downward from your shoulders to the slots for maximum safety.
Final Thoughts – Two Classics, Two Ideal Drivers
Both the Recaro Pole Position ABE and the Cobra Nogaro Circuit are outstanding fixed-back seats for any performance road or track car. While they look similar and serve the same purpose, the right seat comes down to your height, body shape, and personal preference.
If you’re under 6ft and want a roomier, deeper-feeling seat — go Recaro.
If you’re taller or want a more tailored, customisable seat — go Cobra.
Better yet, visit us in-store to try both side by side and make the right choice for your build and body. We’ve got both models on display and ready for testing during the 2025 racing season.
Need help choosing? Just ask — we’re here to help.
Explore the Full Cobra Nogaro Seat Range – On Display & Online
At GSM Performance, we stock one of the widest Cobra Nogaro seat ranges in the UK, with multiple trim variations and upgrade options available to suit every style and setup. Whether you’re after a sleek road-going recliner or a more track-focused fixed-back version, the Cobra Nogaro lineup has something to suit your needs. Many of our listings come with pre-applied customisations, including different stitching colours, fabric combinations, harness slot options, and premium materials like suede, vinyl, and velour.
We currently have three Cobra Nogaro seats on display in our showroom, ready for viewing and testing in person for the 2025 season. These include the striking Cobra Nogaro Club Sport in black and red, which blends everyday comfort with bold styling, and the Cobra Nogaro Circuit, a more focused seat that features harness slots and deeper bolstering for track and fast-road driving.
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Discover the Recaro Pole Position ABE Seat Range – In-Store & Online
Our Recaro Pole Position ABE seat range is one of the most iconic collections in the bucket seat world, offering a refined fixed-back design tailored for road and track day use. With a focus on both performance and everyday usability, the Pole Position ABE is available in a variety of high-quality trims including durable velour, classic vinyl and suede combinations, and exclusive edition finishes to suit different car interiors and personal styles.
At GSM Performance, we currently have a Recaro Pole Position ABE seat in velour trim on display in our showroom, ready for viewing and testing in-store. This allows customers to get a real feel for the seat’s support, dimensions, and overall comfort before committing to a purchase — something we always recommend, especially when choosing a fixed-back seat for regular use.
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