1998+ Ford Escort ZX2
Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:46 am
Performance: 5
Handling: 7
Practicality: 8
Reliability: 9
Cost to own: 6
Feasibility of Sexual Encounters: 6
Performace: The only engine available is the 2.0L Zetec (not a rip-off of VTEC). It makes 130hp and 130ft-lbs of torque. I owned the manual transmission car, and performance was very good. 0-60 happens in about 8 seconds. Around town you have prenty of power, even below 1500rpm, there is usable power so there is no stopping to get first gear.
The drive train is all Mazda, the Zetec is a Mazda engine that is non-interference (on the ZX2, the focus uses a different cylinder head and IS interference), it also uses the MTX-75, a Mazda transmission. The 2.0 Zetec should not be confused with the FS-DE, they have a different bore and stroke.
It is truly a baby Mustang.
There is a popular mod to disconnect the knock sensor for a smoother power band and full advance... You need Premium fuel, though.
Handling: Very good. Very comfortable and quiet to drive around town, and turns quite sharply with medium weight power-steering that's sharp and intuitive. It's quite fun to go around bends, and with the e-brake it's easy to get the tail out.
Practicality: Has a lot room, and with folding seats, it was even better. Back seats are a little useless, though. Clutch is light, and shifter is positive. It's hard to get into first unless you've stopped.
Reliability: All it needed was a tune up. It started in 0 degrees just like it would at 60 degrees. Never missed a beat... Oh yeah, it had 185,000 miles on the engine and transmission.
Cost to own: Gas = Cheap. Parts = Cheap. Easy to maintain yourself = Cheap. 'Nuff siad.
Feasibility of Sexual Encounters: Uhm.... You're kind of limited to the front. The back seat wont be comfortable enough for good sex or making out. You could open the back seats and "have fun" in the trunk and back seat area, but that backing on the back seat is pretty hard - avoid that. What I would do is just recline the passenger seat and hope he/she's willing to hit some bases, otherwise you're going to do the hug and kiss type of making out with no grinding or other contact - we all know that's no fun.
Handling: 7
Practicality: 8
Reliability: 9
Cost to own: 6
Feasibility of Sexual Encounters: 6
Performace: The only engine available is the 2.0L Zetec (not a rip-off of VTEC). It makes 130hp and 130ft-lbs of torque. I owned the manual transmission car, and performance was very good. 0-60 happens in about 8 seconds. Around town you have prenty of power, even below 1500rpm, there is usable power so there is no stopping to get first gear.
The drive train is all Mazda, the Zetec is a Mazda engine that is non-interference (on the ZX2, the focus uses a different cylinder head and IS interference), it also uses the MTX-75, a Mazda transmission. The 2.0 Zetec should not be confused with the FS-DE, they have a different bore and stroke.
It is truly a baby Mustang.
There is a popular mod to disconnect the knock sensor for a smoother power band and full advance... You need Premium fuel, though.
Handling: Very good. Very comfortable and quiet to drive around town, and turns quite sharply with medium weight power-steering that's sharp and intuitive. It's quite fun to go around bends, and with the e-brake it's easy to get the tail out.
Practicality: Has a lot room, and with folding seats, it was even better. Back seats are a little useless, though. Clutch is light, and shifter is positive. It's hard to get into first unless you've stopped.
Reliability: All it needed was a tune up. It started in 0 degrees just like it would at 60 degrees. Never missed a beat... Oh yeah, it had 185,000 miles on the engine and transmission.
Cost to own: Gas = Cheap. Parts = Cheap. Easy to maintain yourself = Cheap. 'Nuff siad.
Feasibility of Sexual Encounters: Uhm.... You're kind of limited to the front. The back seat wont be comfortable enough for good sex or making out. You could open the back seats and "have fun" in the trunk and back seat area, but that backing on the back seat is pretty hard - avoid that. What I would do is just recline the passenger seat and hope he/she's willing to hit some bases, otherwise you're going to do the hug and kiss type of making out with no grinding or other contact - we all know that's no fun.