For a good compact hard-mount radio, I've always suggested the well-proven, been around awhile Uniden PRO-510XL, should be like $60-70 or so IIRC. Nice simple radio similar in size to the Cobra 19 (maybe even a tad smaller), but with a far better circuit in it (much clearer on both RX and TX).
All the above antenna recommendations will get you good performance (and not all fiberglass antennas are bad, I've been quite happy with my 5' Francis Hot Rod. Not sure if they're still made though, haven't looked. I do know the 8' fiberglass Amazor has disappeared though
Stay away from anything shorter than 5' though).
Hand-helds (with the rubber ducky ant) are generally useless after about 500-1000ft it seems. But like said would be good for spotting a driver through something though.