Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance How I Came To Better Appreciate My SVT

I just had my SVT in the shop overnight because I wanted everything checked since it will be out of warranty in 200 miles. They kept it overnight to replace the throttle body because the throttle had too much resistence at initial toe-in off idle. I was given a 2000 Mystique zetec ATX to drive. The car seemed capable for basic transportation but was definately underpowered. My wife's ZX2 with the same engine certainly is quicker but weighs substantially less then the Mystique. Both cars react essentially the same to other driver inputs such as braking and handling. However, I really enjoyed getting behind the wheel again of my SVT when I got it back. The acceleration was much better then the Mystique with the I-4 but equally impressive was the way it instantaniously responded to driver input. The quick and smooth way it reved, braked and handled seduced me all over again. The SVT is such a well-balanced car overall. For all of you jaded SVT owners, do you want to appreciate your car again? Drive some other car for a day or two (Cobras, Vettes or Porsches not allowed) and then take your SVT out for a spin on a twisty stretch of road. I'm in love all over again.

I whole-heartedly agree!!

Weeping...

a SVT better than a zetec contique? never...

I nearly killed myself in Toronto in a 98 Zetec ATX GL that I was given at the rental counter at the airport back in late 97. Tried taking the first hard turn out of the lot a little (OK, much) faster than the "little GL that could" would allow on it's 14" ID high profile tires and softer (?) suspension would allow me. Then it took more braking to get it whoa'ed down with its std. fronts and drums on the rears. It took a little bit to equate the somewhat familiar interior with a much different car with much different abilities.

I was at a conference of Ford soldering engineers from each worldwide Electronics plant. They "volunteered" me to drive from the hotel to the Markham plant, since I was the youngest one there. I drove the pants off that car in morning rush hour traffic, scaring most of my passengers (and impressing the Brazillian guy!). What did I care if I got a ticket in Canada (not speeding, more like improper passing)? And besides, it was a rental. They didn't ask me to drive the next morning.

I was VERY happy to get the SVT back when I returned. Poor thing had to sit on the top deck of the Philly airport's parking garage for 4 days.

I couldn't agree with you more. I travel for business often and this sometimes involves renting a car. Now I know that most rentals are base models, but when I get back from the trip, it is such a pleasure to get behind the wheel of the SVT Contour again!!!!! :p

I love the fact that I don't have to drive her during the week. Sometimes not even for a couple weeks. During that time I get to ride in a few other vehicles that are lets just say, inadequate. By the time I drive the CSVT again, its like I haven't driven it in forever. And it looks and drives even better than the last time. I am NEVER getting rid of this car.

-R-

Agreed. I have driven every form of Contour and I love my Zetec. SVT is nice, more power, just loves revving, handling is nice (can't compare it to mine I have done all the suspension). But there is something about my Zetec. There will be more of something when I get done with engine mods.

My girlfriend just bought a '99 Sebring LXI. She let me drive it for real (not just a test drive) for the first time last night. While it is definitely a gorgeous car and drives really smoothly, I was seriously missing my CSVT on the ride home. I missed the nimbleness and the (almost) instant power on demand of my slightly modded CSVT.

A+ for the CSVT reality check!