I've had my ZX3 a few months now, and it's a fun car, but the allure of something peppier is getting to me. So I ask those of you who've owned one of each - does the SVT really satisfy?
I'm not looking to put a bunch of money into my ZX3 to get it up to speed, I would rather have a stock/warrantied car. I'm curious to know what people who've driven a good amount in each think about the upgrade. Is it worth it? Do you really feel the difference?
Well, I've never driven or even ridden in an SVT to let you know, but from what I hear, the SVT is a whole different beast than the zx3 is. The suspension is different. The motor has more power. It has a 6 speed manual versus a 5 speed. Leather is standard I believe. From what I hear, the SVT is most definately worth it. My reason for not owning an SVT is that they weren't availabe when I purchased my zx3 (Nov. of '00). If the SVT was availabe when I got my car I'm pretty sure I would have gotten it. I have quite a few modifications on my car, and it's still not comprable to the SVT. Just be cautious if you trade your car in toward an SVT. The focus isn't worth squat. Not trying to sound harsh here, just giving the truth. I went to trade mine in a few months ago on a new ranger and the dealership offered me $700. I just laughed and told them that they insulted me and that they would never see my business ever again. If you seriously want an SVT, try to sell your car private sale first. Thats the best advice I can give you my friend.
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the SVT is very nice, I've had the chance to drive a few of them, one with a good deal of modification the other one was practically stock. I can say this, it is a very nice car stock, and it is an even nicer car with a few modest performance enhancements. The ride is superb, the handling amazing, power is very accessible, I don't know what the stock curve looks like, but you have good torque through most of the power curve it feels like, nice close ratio 6 speed tranny, though a STS makes it feel even nicer. Hands down an SVT is worth the trade up.
NO OFFENSE TO ANYONE, but I wouldnt have bought my car if it werent an SVT. I was originally looking for a 95 Cobra, but could find the color I wanted, and the rest I looked at were pounded in. So I took a blue SVTf out, and figured what the hell, its sporty, I liked the color and the interior, and it was warrantied, so I got it. I have driven non-SVT focus's, and like Dan said, it's like night and day. But that cant be said without also mentioning the SVT is a bit underpowered in my opinion. Other than that, its a great little car. There are a few known issues, but those are covered by Ford/SVT and are fixed at no cost. The only performance related complaint I ever had about my car was the tall gears in the 6 speed...at the gun the car has a bit of a stumble, but once it jumps the wall known as the beginning of 1st gear, its off and running. Put a CAI, off-road pipe, and cat-back exhaust on it, as well as some lowering springs, and its closer to where it shouldve been straight from Ford. The only other complaint I ever really had with the car was the stance, it has a bit of a rake which is stupid looking, so thats why I mentioned lowering springs. Close the wheel gap and the car looks much, much better.
I have owned my SVTf for a year and a half now...like all of the performance complaints i have the same with coming off the line...it's a dog...it is underpowered..with more power i think the tranny and engine is a good set up though...when i had the car in for service they gave me a ZX3... i felt like a kid that just had their ice cream hit the ground on a hot day...it kinda caught me off guard...but yeah...the ZX3 has more aftermarket support and things like that...i wish that they would somehow come up with more shit overnight or something...but it is night and day with the cars...
this summer the car will be turbo'ed, with a 50 shot hooked to it... i will have a 1.25 drop in the car...but other than that...i have nothing else i really want to do to it...i love the car..and for most people they either hate the focus or they really like it...no happy medium
i have never driven a zx3 so i can't say how it feels in comparison but i love the car, its kinda lacking in the power department(my previous car was a low 12 second daily driven mitsubishi eclipse so alot of cars feel slow in comparison) but every time i really push the car hard i remember why i bought it, it handles and responds like a dream when you are pushing it, and its just tons of fun, it will put a smile on your face everytime you drive it hard.
so i would say it would be worth the trade up but thats just me lol
i agree...it's a lot of fun...i like it when i am cruising around town or fooling around with friends at night and i am taking corners so much faster than they are... i am like...wait..where'd they all go...but yeah...love it
IMO, i love my SVT Focus the only thing is forced induction kits there are very few compared to the zx3. also the svt has low end torque but makes up for it in Horsepower. I eat up the zx3 and a few others. But in march i'm getting upgraded headers, short shifter, and ther powerworks supercharger kit. don't go turbo unless you wanna run low boost also because the svt zetec is 11 to 1. the only way to lower the compression is pistons, new head, or thicker head gasket wich isn't worth it. IMO
Get a Powerworks kit and some suspension mods. But if you really want a warrenty the svtf is a decent car. I can't drive stock cars but a couple of mods and the svtf is a sweet ride.
Last edited on Sun Feb 5th, 2006 01:52 am by t3-rex
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I think thats what I was trying to say.
