Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General v6 vs. zetec

Sorry I didn't really know what to search for to find this out. I am wondering how much faster/smoother the duratec w/ATX is to the Zetec/ATX. Although you say you should trade your zetec for V6 rather than find used motor and swap, but I CAN'T get rid of my car for 3 more years and really think if I can do It I would be more happy. An MTX is my preferance but the ATX seems much more do-able. Now last year I got called A troll for asking this so I do not wan't to be again. I love my Mystique but I also love 6 Cylinders and am now sure that I can't get rid of my car because I owe too much. So please just tell me if I could and what it would need, or if I can't and just to be happy with what I got.

thanks
jason

1999 Mystique 2.0 ATX 83,000mi

I believe the general consensus is that the best thing is to sell your car and buy a car with a V-6. There is a search feature and this topic has been discussed numerous times.

Really? Granted, an ATX really doesn't make the Zetec as much fun as an MTX (trust me, I've driven both), things can be done to improve the car.

Personally, I wouldn't go even deeper in debt for 2 more cylinders and 0.5 liters of displacement. Head down to the Zetec forum and see what's going on.

Not a flame, but just don't want to see people waste their money.

Now, for what you are wanting, it does seem it would be more cost effective to sell your present car and use the money to buy one with a V-6 and MTX. When you say you owe too much to sell it, are you saying you owe more than it's worth? If so, that really sucks, but I don't know if that will ever go away. Undoubtedly, though, you will get more for the car selling it privately than trading it in to a dealer, and perhaps more now than later, and certainly more now than you would after modding it.

If you wanted to go the 3.0 route, well, that's something you can't get with a chassis trade, so it might be worth it.

Otherwise, if you are really that strapped for cash--and this can be an expensive business--I really would spend some time in the Zetec forum and see what's out there. (A lot more, thanks to the Focus, esp. the SVT). I drove a car with the Zetec once, and I expected a huge difference from my V-6. Instead, I found the car willing and quite fun.

Yes !!! Willing & Fun !!!!

Keep the Zetec... oops.. u have a ATX, right ?? In this case there is no fun...

D Davis,

I did not say that the Zetec was a bad engine. I was only trying to stop him from spending all kinds of money to put a V-6 into his car. If he wants a V-6 it will be less expensive to just go out and buy a car with a V-6. I believe you are being a bit sensitive.

No, if I were being sensitive you would've known it. What I'm getting at is he has limited options. He can't really afford to trade it for another, so that option is basically null and void.

An engine swap would be a nightmare, especially for someone on a limited budget. You can nickel & dime the Zetec into a fun car.

It is already a fun car.

My SE Sport 2.5L V6 MTX was $16,100 brand new, and there were Zetec's similarly equiped on the lot for only about $1000 less. Personally, I'd find a Zetec MTX (if you can) and buy a turbo kit for it. Plenty of zip in that setup, and it's not the most expensive way to go either.