Thanks everybody that replied, very helpful information. As some of you may have seen by my post in the technical forum, I ended up buying the car I was going to look at.
1998, Black, very good shape inside and out, 80,000 miles, lots of options (don't know what is standard), for $5,500. Not sure how that price compares to others out there, but it was in my range and I liked the car...not a lot around here to choose from
Anyway, I haven't driven it a whole lot since I picked it up, and the snow around my house has really hampered my oppertunities for a true road test, but on my way home with it, and way to and from work I found some dry road.
First thing I noticed was how quiet the car was inside...Especially compared to my 1992 SHO with 160k miles on it. I think it's even quieter than our 2000 Grand Am GT1. The seating position took a little getting used to...didn't feel right at first, but now it's not so bad. The way my Taurus was felt a little better to me, but again, I was used to it. Overall though, the car is SO MUCH more comfortable...the 6 years between them sure made a lot of difference.
As far as driving the car...I think that is something else I have to get used to before being able to fully appreciate it. It's quite a bit different than the Taurus...I thought the engines would feel similar, but they don't at all...to me at least. The Taurus engine...not sure how to explain...almost felt the same at all RPMS...I mean after 3000 or so it had an extra kick in the pants, but it seemed more predictable...easier to drive in my opinion. The Contour seems really smooth taking off slowly...or equally as smooth taking off with the hammer down...but I haven't been very smooth taking off at a moderate rate...my 1st to 2nd shift is always a little "choppy". Of course, the clutch is a lot different in the two (my Taurus had a racing clutch), so I probably just have to get used to it.
Powerwise, the edge goes to the Taurus...which you guys already said. However, this morning was the first time I hit the Contour in first gear up into 2nd and she got up and went pretty darn good. I nailed it on the interstate coming home the first day as well...not too shabby...hehehe. The Taurus seemed to pull a little better, but I can live with the difference. (Still a fan of that Yamaha motor though darnit)
Handling/Ride...wow...take a guess, LOL. Haven't really gotten to test the handling out, but I can already tell there is no comparison...I know my Taurus is a little weaker in that dept. now then it was 5 years ago when I bought it, but it was never like the Contour...goes great. Ride comfort is the same...Contour is far superior.
Oh, one other big thing I noticed was shifting...gear changes in the contour can be done with one finger. The Taurus liked to be thrown into the next gear using brute force...LOL. That means a lot in a drag race I'd say. I'm sure I'd be more consistant with the Contour.
Now, as I said, haven't gotten a whole lot of seat time in the car, but I really like it. As of right now I'm thinking that I'm gonna miss the Yamaha engine, but I can't say that without giving the SVT a chance. I'm sure it will be much more enjoyable with better weather also.
Speaking of that, my stupid windshield washer froze up again...lol. Any trick to keeping that from doing it? Maybe I should run that De-icer stuff rather than regular washer fluid. I have no clue.
Anyway, those are my thoughts so far...love the new toy.
Take care.
-Josh
