Focus SVT vs Civic Si

I believe the SVT suspension bolts into anything through '05 except the wagons. But double check me on that year before you spend any money. But it's 100% worth it - hell, it should be mandatory.

If you can find a good condition svt, I'd get that preferably with the recaros. But, I had a 03 zx3 for 8 years so I'm biased

Another vote for the Mazdaspeed Protege or MP3. I found them to be a much entertaining ride than the SVT focus. I think the SVT contour is more fun than the SVT focus. The contour's engine is glorious. I found the SVT Focus engine, shifting, and gearing all to be a big let down.

ccrelan wrote: Another vote for the Mazdaspeed Protege or MP3. I found them to be a much entertaining ride than the SVT focus. I think the SVT contour is more fun than the SVT focus. The contour's engine is glorious. I found the SVT Focus engine, shifting, and gearing all to be a big let down.

I had an 03' SVT hatch with the Euro package and while it was a great car, I agree that the shift action and gearing were big let downs in that car. From a dead stop it was a big dog. The dash wasn't the highest quality, but it was comfy and had plenty of room with all the options.

Now I'm driving a 94' GS-R which I'll compare the the 99-00 Si you are also looking for. I found my GS-R for ~3300 last year and it is all stock survivor, but by no means a show car. I find the engine and gearing more exciting, and the size of the car is more flickable. It is louder and less refined though.

Go try both of em'.

If the budget is $4k, then I vote you buy the nicest 2nd generation MX6 you can find for $3k. $3k will buy you a very nice one, though you'll have to hunt a bit. Then use the remaining $1k to refresh the suspension.

Wow. 2 pages. I feel special

Lots of good info here. But the overwhelming majority is saying SVT Focus. That's what I really want anyway. I found one on Craigslist that seems promising. I'm hoping to low-ball my way into it.

In the mean time I'm about to open searchtempest for an MP3.

Vote for the MP3/Speed protégé even an Protégé 5 is crazy fun even with the massive lack of power, but gun to the head between the Si and the SVT the ford wins in my book.

captdownshift wrote: Honestly i'd look for a 2.3L duratec focus, better interior, cheap, generally previously owned by non euthusist so i won't have been raced and cosworth makes some nice duratec bits for later on down the road when the budget allows. Or how about an SVT contour?

Winner, go ahead and shut the thread down.

Off the top of my head, the 2.3L

-gives up 10 hp

-makes 10 more ft/lbs

-takes regular gas

It's entirely possible to get a 2.3L Focus + brand new SVT suspension for $3500 or less. Then you can spend the rest of the money foolishly. Only problem being that a 5spd/2.3L combo might prove difficult to find

SVT or Acura RSX if they meet the price range

paul wrote: 04-05 civic si, but I'm partial... http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y143/pj350/3wheelsSept1_zps8466336c.jpg All joking aside, they kick ass in STF. Cheap insurance, no theft risks, side airbags, timing chain, 87 octane, etc...

For the love of god polish those headlights!

calteg wrote:

captdownshift wrote: Honestly i'd look for a 2.3L duratec focus, better interior, cheap, generally previously owned by non euthusist so i won't have been raced and cosworth makes some nice duratec bits for later on down the road when the budget allows. Or how about an SVT contour?

Winner, go ahead and shut the thread down. Off the top of my head, the 2.3L -gives up 10 hp -makes 10 more ft/lbs -takes regular gas It's entirely possible to get a 2.3L Focus + brand new SVT suspension for $3500 or less. Then you can spend the rest of the money foolishly. Only problem being that a 5spd/2.3L combo might prove difficult to find

• timing chain over timing belt

-150 lbs lighter

-better fuel economy

Also consider the integra gsr and celica gt-s. The integra will have a better seating position and shifter. The celica will be newer, lighter, and arguably more competent.

Celica GTS are nice. However if you are going to get that car just buy a 2ZZ MR2.

My vote is SVT Focus.

What about a BMW 318ti? Same hatchbacky body style, but rwd and a little more refined inside. I had one and loved it, one of the few vehicles I've owned that I regret selling. $4k should buy a pretty nice one

.

I have never owned a Focus, so I can't be of any help there....BUT Honda would be my choice. I don't think you could purchase a true Si for under 4k but you might find a nice "swapped" hatch for that money! I currently own a 02 Civic Ex coupe with a few mods, nothing "over the top" but still a great looking and performing car. The wife has a '13 Civic Si sedan, that's been truly amazing. NOT hating on the Focus, just don't know too awful much about them......

Drive a nice 97+ Prelude. The rest just don't compare.

However if you are going to get that car just buy a 2ZZ MR2.

I give you points for great intentions but just up and buying a 2zz MRS is easier said than done and basically not possible at 4k.

For the record i also really like the MX-6 and Prelude suggestions. I've owned an MX-6 but the Prelude is still on my list.

I would take the 2.3L Duratec Focus over the SVT. I have had plenty of opportunities to work on each

SVT

2.3L Duratec

I am still sold on the SVT for an all around nice car, but I would buy a nice mazdaspeed protege or MP3 if I could find one. Problem with the mazdaspeeds is they are either ruined by morons, or the owner has a stock one asking $7k for it. The MP3's are hard to find because they were only around 1500 or so made.

I found a 2003 SVT down in Charlotte near my folks that I was excited about due to the fact that it was a southern car. Been texting the owner who is in no way a car person. They said the car is actually from PA/NJ. They also went on to say that it's a good thing that the car is from NJ because North Carolina sees so much acid rain (rolled my eyes big on that one). Great, but I'm still interested. They sent me pictures of the undersides of the doors and engine bay. Seems to be very clean for a NJ car. No visible rust. Car has 106k and has had a clutch somewhat recently and the "main drive belt" replaced at 86k. I am hoping "main drive belt" means timing belt, but I am assuming that is the serpentine belt. Has a huge dent in the front fender and the entire fender will have to be replaced. They are asking 3800, which is insane in my opinion. It isn't worth a penny over $3k to me. This car will need some cosmetic and routine maintenance to bring it up to snuff. I have $3700 in my car fund, and I figure after I pay taxes and drive it back to PA, I'll have $500 to make the car a little nicer and fix that fender.

I'm having my dad, who is a mechanic go look at it Saturday, and if it looks okay, offer no more than $3k. If they say no, then I'll find another.

In reply to JamesMcD:

Are the MX-6's a KL car?

http://boone.craigslist.org/cto/4143724545.html

If this wasn't a salvage title car, it'd be mine!

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4157645565.html

This is also worthy of attention!

In reply to JamesMcD:

Learn me suspension upgradez.

My first investment would be a European RS Body Kit. I know it won't make it any faster, but just look at it!

Would you look at that!

Huh... I guess I'm wrong. Maybe you can get a good Si for $4500?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/4175395510.html