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

Dunno, I kinda like it. It is a serious possibility for my next car. I want something with better fuel milage than the 'Tour, but don't want to give up the performance. The SVTF also fits within my post-marriage budget. Besides, the wife will get the 'Tour so it will still be in the family

They are both on a Focus Honestly I don't know too much detail about the S2 suspension. I can say they are two totally seprate groups. So the outcome will be two completly different handling cars.

You really can't use the base ZX3 as a strong indicator of how well the SVT will handle. Though the chassis dynamics of a ZX3 are good, they are two vehicles designed with two different purposes.


FWIW The ZX3, ZX5, and the Sedan all have the exact same interior dimensions. I think some may be predisposed to the thought that because it's Ford's small car it must be smaller. It's not.

Just asking! Why is there so many recalls on the Focus!

You think there would be better quality, especially after such high praise from car enthusiasts.

Personnaly I think they can look great with added beauty and they probably perform great. Price is good and they insure well! Plus they have a ZETEC! I loved my zetec in my mystique. I said it before and I'll say it again. I love those Zetecs!!! Oh ya my ATX was awesome also.

The SVT Focus will be faster than the SVT Contour at autocrosses and I would not be surprised to see it classed in the same G Stock class.

I still could never see buying one. Not enough "class" compared to the Contour or even VW GTI. Price is right for newbies, though.

I'm actually very skeptical of all the claims that the SVT Focus will be just as quick as a Contour and handle as well, but I'm reserving actual judgement until the car comes out.

Personally, I think making the SVT Focus as it is and classing it the way it will be is a direct insult to the SVT name.

And the Contour is NOT a small sporty car.

I am curious as to why you are skeptical? The lb/hp is better for the Focus (though the difference doesn't appear to be huge, it should be a bit faster) and the Focus is much lighter and benefits from superior suspension geometry to the Contour. A stock ZX3 will give a SVT Contour a run for its money on a very tight track (much like a contour will give a Mustang a run on a tight track), and I would suspect the SVT version would be even quicker around the corners.
What do you base your skepticism on?



Why? The SVT Focus will be a substantial improvement over the regular ZX3 or even the S2 variant. I think SVT will be very proud of the Focus, and it will be huge success. What do you mean by "classing it the way it will be"? The SVT Focus is designed to go toe-to-toe w/ the other warmed over small cars, like the Civic Si, Sentra SE-R, RSX-S, GTI, etc. what's wrong w/ being classed w/ the same cars you are competing with?



excuse me, small sporty SEDAN; is that OK?

The SVT Focus will handle better than the SVT Contour hands down. Why, because I own an S2 focus and it handles better on stock suspension than my old SVT Contour on only Eibachs. (on a short twisty road, i put a few lenghts on my friends H&R equipped 00' prelude) If my S2 had 215/50 KDW's, the handling comparison would almost be further in favor of the S2. (not to mention when i put these ground-controls on sitting at my shop) The focus ZX3 chassis is simply superior. There are a couple people in this forum who have driven my S2 that also have SVT contours, that would totally agree. The steering is tuned alot better than the CSVT, the balance of the S2 is almost perfect neutral, in fact, it slightly oversteers. Regardless of what those think who have not driven an S2, take it from an owner of both cars. Anyone in the GA area is welcome to come drive some twisties with me. Bring your springs...I'll be wearing stock suspension and R rated tires. (I can NOT comment on a stock ZX3 suspension, never really flogged one).

This ironically sounds like comments I heard about the SVT Contour years ago. I think it has proven itself worthy, just like the SVT Focus will.

Thanks for that Bill. I totally agree.

Any one else get the e-mail questionair from SVT about the Five door SVT? Looks Great and the same performance I'll be first in line