Originally posted by bkent:
How does the performance compare?
Acceleration/top end/handling?
To be honest with you I don't think the 330i is that much faster. I know some car rags have tested the 330i as fast as 6.1 secs but I can't really feel it. I can feel the extra 45 lbs of torque though. It pulls a lot harder than the contour did. Handling is perfect. I still can't say better than the CSVT because the SVT handled great. But there is a lot less shimmy and shake and rattling than the Contour had. The RWD dynamics are something that has to be experienced to to love. Its totally different than my SVT. The contour had a better top end because the 330i is limited to 128mph. If there was no governer on the Bimmer it would easily go over 150mph beause at 130mph there is more power left, more than what the contour had.
Basically what I'm trying to say is the CSVT is just as capable as the the 325/330 BMW. But simply the Contour SVT is a american econmy/rental car that handles and performs like a greman sedan. In a Contour SVT you could easily out perform a 325i/ci and just be a step or two behind a 330. The Bimmer is a more refined, more sturdy car. Car and driver was right 3 years ago.
