Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General reasons NOT to buy svt focus??

Pros: Aftermarket will be huge for the FSVT; very nice interior. Looks can be improved with a body kit like the RS that will sell(or is selling) in Europe. It is an SVT.

Cons: No V6 engine (I'm sure you can put a turbo in there but for me is just not the same); too small of a car for me. Sometimes my CSVT is not that big to carry five people, now the FSVT will just kill me.

:p

There isn't a turbo focus in the euro toybox. There is development work being done, but there are none being produced now.

It's been awhile since Ford has done a decent regular production turbo car, and IIRC all were based on the same basic 2.3L layout. Also, there are a lot of things you can get away with in a very low volume vehicle that you could never dream of doing on a larger production run of a similar vehicle.

and again, I actually would like to see someone come up with a legitimate complaint about the SVT Focus, that does not relate to not liking the appearance, and size/space/# of doors not meeting their needs. I don't think there is any.

If one is to put $18k,$20 etc. I guess size/space/#doors and looks will be one of the factors that will determine buying the vehicle or not. I think no one has complaint about the performance of the FSVT; what people is saying is that the car doesn't have the looks we are used to for any SVT vehicle. It is a very bland look, and to me it looks like any focus hatchback. Probably this would be an advantage becuase you can just buy a body kit and that will make it stand. But to me it is just too small of a car. I know that the CSVT is not that big either but it has enough space for me right now.

Just my $.02

It's FWD! j/k. I've learned to deal with that on my SVT...

The objections to the SVT Focus based purely on looks reinforce an unfortunate point... So much of the American car-buying public is "style over substance" that they would consider buying a car without a test drive, or if they did go for a drive it would be to make sure they liked the interior color or how the radio sounds. True motoring enthusiasts are a rare lot indeed.

When you're inside the car, do you see the exterior? No. You feel the seat, steering wheel, pedals, and controls. You sense the response of the drivetrain, suspension, and brakes. These things comprise The Driving Experience, not the exterior color or number of doors.

Okay, maybe the shape of the car does matter, but it's only in how much wind noise is generated.
:rolleyes:

Whoops - you're right, I meant Avalanche.

r u gay?we r talking about cars,where r u at?i know ur trying to b funny but im really asking a serious question.

guys the next car will b a 2 door anyway,im keeping the tour.its just one of HER choices.we r still looking at 240's,7's or golf 1.8t and whatever else we think is small,quick and fun to drive.

BTW i hear everyone saying "its a ford" well what r u driving right now?

Yeah, looks are about the only complaint I would offer, but IMHO, it's a significant complaint with this thing.

so its built ford tough!

Dimension (inches)	2000 Contour SE	2001 Focus ZX3
Front Shoulder Room	54	54
Front Head Room	39	39
Front Leg Room	42	43
Rear Shoulder Room	53	54
Rear Head Room	37	39
Rear Leg Room	34	38

(all data from AUTOSTATS. Not sure why there's blank space above the table... sorry...)

Front and rear track are the same (59 in.). Overall width of the Focus is 2" less (67" vs. 69"), but the greater shoulder room suggests the Focus devotes more space to the occupants.

"My 2000 CSVT handles great in the twisties. I'm curious as to why people think
the Focus SVT will handle better. Is the suspension that much better in the
FSVT?"

The Focus SVT will be a great handler I predict. Why? Because the Focus suspension was designed by Richard Parry-Jones, one of the best suspension guys in the business and the guy who did the Contour/Mondeo. Then it was enhanced by SVT, just like our CSVTs but with 2 big advantages - it weighs 2770 lbs or about 300 lbs less than a CSVT and it has 17" wheels with 45 series rubber rolling stock. Braking will also be better with near 12" front disks.

It's power to weight is not quite as good 16.3 lb/HP cw with 15.4 for CSVT, and even with the 6 speed it will be a bit slower. On the road course, I say you have a draw.

BTW, Zetec engine has forged rods but a nodular iron crank. CSVT has a forged crank but sinter rods. ????? I would much prefer this 7000 RPM rever to the 6100 RPM tractor motor in the Sentra V Spec, though they will be equally fast and nearly equal bux.