Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? - Focaljet

**BlueOvalDriver** · 04-13-2002, 12:19 AM

I'm seriously considering doing this. Can you guys give me the pro's and con's of an SVT Focus. I've read a little bit about the focus, but I don't know all the ins and outs of 4 cyclinder performance cars. I think it would be fun to drive a somewhat powerful car that can handle well. I know it won't have the torque and power of my mustang, but should I care? I kinda like the idea of buying a car that is pretty much track ready without having to spend a ton on mods. I would probably want to supercharge it at somepoint though. Thanks.

[ 04-13-2002: Message edited by: BlueOvalDriver ]

**daveyfx** · 04-13-2002, 03:01 AM

Mustang GT = much better straight line performance
SVT ZX3 = will outshine the Mustang on the twisties

If you're an autocross guy, the SVT is probably what you want. If you're about good old American muscle, hold on to the GT.

d

**Wedge1212** · 04-13-2002, 03:34 AM

hey 4cyl is the way to go in the moder area....have it it as all i can say

**Focused_zx3** · 04-13-2002, 10:24 AM

Damn, that would be a tough choice for me. If you want handling and refinement, then yeah, go for the SVT. Overall, id have to say the SVT Focus is a better car. until the 2004 mustang arrives that is.

**FocusBoy** · 04-13-2002, 10:27 AM

I'd keep the Mustang. There's a lot more performance parts out there and they are cheaper. IMHO the SVT will never out perform (or sound) like a V8.

[ 04-13-2002: Message edited by: FocusBoy ]

**greathuskie** · 04-13-2002, 10:31 AM

depends

you would be better off selling your mustang outright, you will get more money

but if i had to take one i would take the ZX3 just because mustangs have never interested me that much, and i just love the idea of whooping some mustangs stoplight to stoplight
(im going for a half drag car half track car)

**silverfrost99** · 04-13-2002, 11:27 AM

well i think that if you keep the stang and spend a relatively small amount of money you will be able to out handle that svt anway, plus the power is there, just keep the stang.

**PhocusZX3** · 04-13-2002, 11:28 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by daveyfx:
Mustang GT = much better straight line performance
SVT ZX3 = will outshine the Mustang on the twisties

If you're an autocross guy, the SVT is probably what you want. If you're about good old American muscle, hold on to the GT.

d<hr></blockquote>

Not true. The head of one of the regions of the SCCA drives a Mustang GT which turns excellent times on the track. One of the faster running cars out there was also a relatively stock suspended 99 Cobra. Its all about the driver, plus you can get plenty of aftermarket suspension items for the Mustang.

I'd say you should hold onto the Mustang. Resale will always be better, and the car will always be faster. The aftermarket has and always will be strong for the Mustang, so you have alot of options to choose from. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

**Ducman69** · 04-13-2002, 11:47 AM

Why isn't your Mustang GT track ready? Last I heard it whooped up on an Integra Type R on the medium large track, and wasn't much slower on the super tight track. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Plus, you'll only get about $14,000 for what I'd consider a pretty nice car. Sure its a porky car, but you have a much nicer engine and RWD with a LSD and able to fit some grippy 245mm tires (to compensate for flinging a lot of that pork around). You wouldn't just be sacrificing a little midrange rpm. We are talking 300ftlbs to 145ftlbs. And even though you'd think you'd get a lot better mileage, probably due to gearing and our horrible aerodynamics on the ZX3 you'd get better highway mileage, and only slightly worse city. (SVT Focus mileage sticker).

There are pros though. Your insurance would likely be a lot cheaper (at least on a ZX3 I save about $1000 a year on the difference between the Cobra). You can afford better replacement tires as narrower ones cost less. Never have to worry about brakes as those things are huge. Its FAAAAAR more practical than the Mustang, not just because the interior is bigger but especially due to the flat hatchback. Comes with a much more modern suspension setup with fully independent front and rear (5point multilink rear being just a sliiiight improvement on the Mustang's). [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Stiffer chassis (no big need for bracing). Quieter smoother engine (although sounds like crap except for high rpm compared to a thumpy V8 IMO). Interior wise, I haven't actually sat in a SVT Focus. But from the pics and comparison to my Z, I'd also definitely give a heads up to the SVT Focus.

On medium to large tracks, you'd probably still outrun the SVT Focus though. You might lose 2mph in the corner but gain 3mph coming out up to the next. Depends on your priorities, but since you are talking about the HUGE losses of trading in a vehicle... I'd keep the Stang. Spend the $3-4,000 you'd lose in the trade in to fix up the Mustang (bracing, springs, adjustable dampers, exhaust, intake). [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] My opinion probably won't be very popular here... but again if we were talking new vs new, then the SVT Focus would be a good $5000 cheaper and my advice would be much different.

**Ducman69** · 04-13-2002, 11:51 AM

BTW, could move over to Team Pit Stop or SVT headquarters... sounds more like a SVT comparison topic. Moving over to SVT FORUM. Thanks!

**BlueOvalDriver** · 04-13-2002, 04:25 PM

I agree with all of your points. I was sort of looking for a more practical car, going to have kids and all soon, but the poor gas mileage on Focus is suprising. They should be getting at least 30mpg highway. I guess its kind of hard to compare the 2 cars because they are built for very different things. I wish I could afford to have both.

**acrbill** · 04-13-2002, 04:53 PM

i was in this exact same presicament about a year ago. i was getting tired of my 99 gt and went out looking for a replacement. i ended up getting a 2001 acr neon. no its not as fast and there is noo tourque to speak of but its an awesome car to drive everyday. so im sure the new svt focus will not disappoint.

**Ducman69** · 04-13-2002, 07:59 PM

Well the Mustang can hold babies... maybe even 5 year olds.

But my sister, buddy, and I drove down in the Cobra for Bike Week in Florida (think it was 11 hours or so driving). Oh my God did it suck to "sit" back there. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Little kiddies should be ok. But for long term, it is nice to know that the rear passengers in a ZX3 (same as SVT) actually have more room than in a big ol' SVT Contour! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Thats everything from hip, head, to leg room. Nice for such a light car isn't it! Course I haven't had any rear seats for about the last year. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

**gadgetguru63** · 04-14-2002, 12:14 AM

I'm selling my '01 GT Premium to get a Focus SVT.
Wanted something with smaller payments, better
gas mileage and lower insurance. I'll miss the GT.
I had an '00 GT also. Can't wait for the SVT to
arrive. Should be here by the end of the month.

**SilverSVT** · 04-14-2002, 09:43 AM

The Mustang GT is great car....if you can afford a 2nd or 3rd car in your family. Its not all that practical for everyday use, besides getting to work in style or something. I have a 98 GT and I'm looking forward getting the SVT Focus because it offers good performance and should be able to outhandle the GT I have now with out any problems and I'll be able to fit people and stuff into it alot easier then the GT. Plus paying over 2K a year in Insurance Costs on a nearly 5 yr old car is a big reason to get a new car to also [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] .

Scott

**BlueOvalDriver** · 04-14-2002, 02:04 PM

Does the focus come with any incentives at all? 0% financing or rebates? Or is it excluded from the current offerings because its an SVT?

**askjeffro** · 04-14-2002, 10:32 PM

Mustang.

[img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

**BLOWNSTANG** · 04-14-2002, 11:38 PM

Keep the mustang and buy a ZX3. My focus is fun to drive, but from what I can remember, my mustang is ALOT more fun to drive(haven't driven it for over a year now--still in Illinois [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] )

**spinwax** · 04-15-2002, 10:45 AM

Listen to Ducman.. he is right on track (no pun intended) I really like the SVT Focus, but the Mustang will hold its value, and is very ready for the track if you do a couple key things.

**BlueOvalDriver** · 04-15-2002, 01:07 PM

I worked out the numbers on this too. If I sell my mustang for $14,000 (est.), the svt focus would end up costing me $4500 more after downpayment, financing, and insurance savings. This $4500 figure is also based on some strange variables specific to my situation. I figure the gas savings is a wash because the focus doesn't appear to get much better mileage.

Also, I have put some money into the mustang on Steeda springs, caster/camber plates, Tri-ax Shifter, K&N, Flowmasters, so it does handle a bit better than stock.

I just checked on insurance for the focus versus the mustang and it was about $10/mo less, so a wash there too. What gives with that?

[ 04-15-2002: Message edited by: BlueOvalDriver ]

**Ducman69** · 04-15-2002, 10:25 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>and corner better <hr></blockquote>
Well... at least on the Cobra it sticks really well on nice smooth surfaces thanks to wide sticky tires. You can also control the tail easily with the throttle (makes for super quick U-turns). However, its a little more intimidating to romp thru the twisties where you could encounter a couple dips/bumps/cracks in the road. Might just be because I always go in slow and come out quick when scooting around.

**ericp** · 04-16-2002, 12:02 AM

I wouldn't trade a 99 Mustang GT for an SVT Focus. Mustang has a huge aftermarket following and it would be easier to make them fast and corner better since they've been around so long folks have them figured out. With rear-drive you won't have to deal with the accelerator and steering wheel fighting each other for control of front tires.

**five0stangman** · 04-16-2002, 12:43 AM

Keep the Mustang [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

**Mike-SVT** · 04-17-2002, 08:56 AM

I'm selling my '96 Mustang GT with Kenny Brown AGS 2 suspension and other mods after I get the Sonic Blue SVT Focus.

Drive the SVT - the decision will be easy afer that...
MGM

04-13-2002, 12:19 AM	#1
BlueOvalDriver Rookie Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: California Posts: 26	Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? I'm seriously considering doing this. Can you guys give me the pro's and con's of an SVT Focus. I've read a little bit about the focus, but I don't know all the ins and outs of 4 cyclinder performance cars. I think it would be fun to drive a somewhat powerful car that can handle well. I know it won't have the torque and power of my mustang, but should I care? I kinda like the idea of buying a car that is pretty much track ready without having to spend a ton on mods. I would probably want to supercharge it at somepoint though. Thanks. [ 04-13-2002: Message edited by: BlueOvalDriver ]</p>

04-13-2002, 03:01 AM	#2
daveyfx TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Orlando, FL, US Posts: 136	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? Mustang GT = much better straight line performance SVT ZX3 = will outshine the Mustang on the twisties If you're an autocross guy, the SVT is probably what you want. If you're about good old American muscle, hold on to the GT. d

04-13-2002, 03:34 AM	#3
Wedge1212 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 5,089	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? hey 4cyl is the way to go in the moder area....have it it as all i can say

04-13-2002, 10:24 AM	#4
Focused_zx3 TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: (Guy)Virginia beach, VA USA Posts: 279	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? Damn, that would be a tough choice for me. If you want handling and refinement, then yeah, go for the SVT. Overall, id have to say the SVT Focus is a better car. until the 2004 mustang arrives that is.

04-13-2002, 10:27 AM	#5
FocusBoy TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 625	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? I'd keep the Mustang. There's a lot more performance parts out there and they are cheaper. IMHO the SVT will never out perform (or sound) like a V8. [ 04-13-2002: Message edited by: FocusBoy ]</p>

04-13-2002, 10:31 AM	#6
greathuskie Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,006	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? depends you would be better off selling your mustang outright, you will get more money but if i had to take one i would take the ZX3 just because mustangs have never interested me that much, and i just love the idea of whooping some mustangs stoplight to stoplight (im going for a half drag car half track car)

04-13-2002, 11:27 AM	#7
silverfrost99 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Grantsville Posts: 2	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? well i think that if you keep the stang and spend a relatively small amount of money you will be able to out handle that svt anway, plus the power is there, just keep the stang.

04-13-2002, 11:28 AM	#8
PhocusZX3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Tampa/Brandon, FL Posts: 5,801	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by daveyfx: Mustang GT = much better straight line performance SVT ZX3 = will outshine the Mustang on the twisties If you're an autocross guy, the SVT is probably what you want. If you're about good old American muscle, hold on to the GT. d<hr></blockquote> Not true. The head of one of the regions of the SCCA drives a Mustang GT which turns excellent times on the track. One of the faster running cars out there was also a relatively stock suspended 99 Cobra. Its all about the driver, plus you can get plenty of aftermarket suspension items for the Mustang. I'd say you should hold onto the Mustang. Resale will always be better, and the car will always be faster. The aftermarket has and always will be strong for the Mustang, so you have alot of options to choose from. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

04-13-2002, 11:47 AM	#9
Ducman69 I pretend to know everything. Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: van by the river Posts: 18,745	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? Why isn't your Mustang GT track ready? Last I heard it whooped up on an Integra Type R on the medium large track, and wasn't much slower on the super tight track. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Plus, you'll only get about $14,000 for what I'd consider a pretty nice car. Sure its a porky car, but you have a much nicer engine and RWD with a LSD and able to fit some grippy 245mm tires (to compensate for flinging a lot of that pork around). You wouldn't just be sacrificing a little midrange rpm. We are talking 300ftlbs to 145ftlbs. And even though you'd think you'd get a lot better mileage, probably due to gearing and our horrible aerodynamics on the ZX3 you'd get better highway mileage, and only slightly worse city. (SVT Focus mileage sticker). There are pros though. Your insurance would likely be a lot cheaper (at least on a ZX3 I save about $1000 a year on the difference between the Cobra). You can afford better replacement tires as narrower ones cost less. Never have to worry about brakes as those things are huge. Its FAAAAAR more practical than the Mustang, not just because the interior is bigger but especially due to the flat hatchback. Comes with a much more modern suspension setup with fully independent front and rear (5point multilink rear being just a sliiiight improvement on the Mustang's). [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Stiffer chassis (no big need for bracing). Quieter smoother engine (although sounds like crap except for high rpm compared to a thumpy V8 IMO). Interior wise, I haven't actually sat in a SVT Focus. But from the pics and comparison to my Z, I'd also definitely give a heads up to the SVT Focus. On medium to large tracks, you'd probably still outrun the SVT Focus though. You might lose 2mph in the corner but gain 3mph coming out up to the next. Depends on your priorities, but since you are talking about the HUGE losses of trading in a vehicle... I'd keep the Stang. Spend the $3-4,000 you'd lose in the trade in to fix up the Mustang (bracing, springs, adjustable dampers, exhaust, intake). [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] My opinion probably won't be very popular here... but again if we were talking new vs new, then the SVT Focus would be a good $5000 cheaper and my advice would be much different.

04-13-2002, 11:51 AM	#10
Ducman69 I pretend to know everything. Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: van by the river Posts: 18,745	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? BTW, could move over to Team Pit Stop or SVT headquarters... sounds more like a SVT comparison topic. Moving over to SVT FORUM. Thanks!

04-13-2002, 04:25 PM	#11
BlueOvalDriver Rookie Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: California Posts: 26	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? I agree with all of your points. I was sort of looking for a more practical car, going to have kids and all soon, but the poor gas mileage on Focus is suprising. They should be getting at least 30mpg highway. I guess its kind of hard to compare the 2 cars because they are built for very different things. I wish I could afford to have both.

04-13-2002, 04:53 PM	#12
acrbill Rookie Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: chicago Posts: 39	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? i was in this exact same presicament about a year ago. i was getting tired of my 99 gt and went out looking for a replacement. i ended up getting a 2001 acr neon. no its not as fast and there is noo tourque to speak of but its an awesome car to drive everyday. so im sure the new svt focus will not disappoint.

04-13-2002, 07:59 PM	#13
Ducman69 I pretend to know everything. Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: van by the river Posts: 18,745	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? Well the Mustang can hold babies... maybe even 5 year olds. But my sister, buddy, and I drove down in the Cobra for Bike Week in Florida (think it was 11 hours or so driving). Oh my God did it suck to "sit" back there. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Little kiddies should be ok. But for long term, it is nice to know that the rear passengers in a ZX3 (same as SVT) actually have more room than in a big ol' SVT Contour! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Thats everything from hip, head, to leg room. Nice for such a light car isn't it! Course I haven't had any rear seats for about the last year. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

04-14-2002, 12:14 AM	#14
gadgetguru63 Rookie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 6	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? I'm selling my '01 GT Premium to get a Focus SVT. Wanted something with smaller payments, better gas mileage and lower insurance. I'll miss the GT. I had an '00 GT also. Can't wait for the SVT to arrive. Should be here by the end of the month.

04-14-2002, 09:43 AM	#15
SilverSVT Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 4,972	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? The Mustang GT is great car....if you can afford a 2nd or 3rd car in your family. Its not all that practical for everyday use, besides getting to work in style or something. I have a 98 GT and I'm looking forward getting the SVT Focus because it offers good performance and should be able to outhandle the GT I have now with out any problems and I'll be able to fit people and stuff into it alot easier then the GT. Plus paying over 2K a year in Insurance Costs on a nearly 5 yr old car is a big reason to get a new car to also [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] . Scott

04-14-2002, 02:04 PM	#16
BlueOvalDriver Rookie Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: California Posts: 26	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? Does the focus come with any incentives at all? 0% financing or rebates? Or is it excluded from the current offerings because its an SVT?

04-14-2002, 10:32 PM	#17
askjeffro Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: IN Posts: 2,957	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? Mustang. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

04-14-2002, 11:38 PM	#18
BLOWNSTANG Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Deville, Louisiana Posts: 3,036	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? Keep the mustang and buy a ZX3. My focus is fun to drive, but from what I can remember, my mustang is ALOT more fun to drive(haven't driven it for over a year now--still in Illinois [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] )

04-15-2002, 10:45 AM	#19
spinwax emo Queen Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,389	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? Listen to Ducman.. he is right on track (no pun intended) I really like the SVT Focus, but the Mustang will hold its value, and is very ready for the track if you do a couple key things.

04-15-2002, 01:07 PM	#20
BlueOvalDriver Rookie Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: California Posts: 26	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? I worked out the numbers on this too. If I sell my mustang for $14,000 (est.), the svt focus would end up costing me $4500 more after downpayment, financing, and insurance savings. This $4500 figure is also based on some strange variables specific to my situation. I figure the gas savings is a wash because the focus doesn't appear to get much better mileage. Also, I have put some money into the mustang on Steeda springs, caster/camber plates, Tri-ax Shifter, K&N, Flowmasters, so it does handle a bit better than stock. I just checked on insurance for the focus versus the mustang and it was about $10/mo less, so a wash there too. What gives with that? [ 04-15-2002: Message edited by: BlueOvalDriver ]</p>

04-15-2002, 10:25 PM	#21
Ducman69 I pretend to know everything. Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: van by the river Posts: 18,745	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>and corner better <hr></blockquote> Well... at least on the Cobra it sticks really well on nice smooth surfaces thanks to wide sticky tires. You can also control the tail easily with the throttle (makes for super quick U-turns). However, its a little more intimidating to romp thru the twisties where you could encounter a couple dips/bumps/cracks in the road. Might just be because I always go in slow and come out quick when scooting around.

04-16-2002, 12:02 AM	#22
ericp Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA Posts: 79	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? I wouldn't trade a 99 Mustang GT for an SVT Focus. Mustang has a huge aftermarket following and it would be easier to make them fast and corner better since they've been around so long folks have them figured out. With rear-drive you won't have to deal with the accelerator and steering wheel fighting each other for control of front tires.

04-16-2002, 12:43 AM	#23
five0stangman TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Charlotte Posts: 117	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? Keep the Mustang [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

04-17-2002, 08:56 AM	#24
Mike-SVT Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Friendswood, Tx Posts: 1,231	Re: Should I trade in my 99 Mustang GT For a SVT Focus? I'm selling my '96 Mustang GT with Kenny Brown AGS 2 suspension and other mods after I get the Sonic Blue SVT Focus. Drive the SVT - the decision will be easy afer that... MGM

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