Contour SVT vs. My GrandAm (Not racing, simmer down now!)

[atc3434]

So yesterday I took at look at my friend John's Contour SVT, he was describing to me what sounded like a bad wheel bearing, and I told him I'd take a look at it. So, checked it, yea bad bearing. Anyways, we're both kinda car guys, so he asked me if I wanted to drive it. DUH! So, I've ridden in it before, so I knew basically what to expect. Anyways, dang, why oh why didn't a buy a car thats stick. This thing is still only maybe as faster, or more likely a little slower, than my modded Grand Am, but it feels SO quick because of the tight ratio 5spd. Just shooting around in traffic is a blast. The handling, steering, everything, felt really tight and responsive. Gosh I love shifting gears.

So, I let him take mine out afterwards, he like it as well. He liked the lowend torque, and of course it sounds like a beast, the cutout was open! Handling wasn't quite on par with the Contour, all though I know how to ring the most out of it to wear he defintely couldn't keep up with me on a twisty road. He noted how much my brakes suck, everybody that drives my car seems to notice that. And of course a WOT downshift at 30mph into first always puts a smile on anybodies face.

All in all, if he asked to trade, I would defintely think about it. Sure, mines faster, rides a little nicer, has more space inside, etc. But man, that thing was such a blast to drive. To feel like your really going fast in my car, you really gotta go fast. His car feels like your bombing around just driving normally. Next car, MUST be a 5spd. I can't allow myself another automatic. Second though, this GA SE needs some better gear ratios, it would waken it up a LOT.

[pyro]

the only contours i see around here are extremely sun faded/ discolored and falling apart. but i agree, they do handle well.

[Kappa06]

Yea, the Contour is pretty fun to drive. The top end is what gets people. The car accelrates past 100mph no problem. I just put put a Koni suspension kit and now it really handles.

[atc3434]

I have to say, I would really consider one. Spend 2 grand at some point to do a 3.0 block swap with headers, etc, and you'd have a real fast car on your hands.

[Rich]

you should do the rear disk swap to get better braking. im sure that would help.

[atc3434]

I might do the Ford Contour swap.... kid said he'd sell me the car, at a pretty good price.

[Rich]

so would you still keep the GA or sell it?

[atc3434]

Yea, can't afford too cars. I just put up a gauging interest add in the For Sale forum. Scary, I know. I didn't say I would do it, just that I was thinking about it.

[SikMindz]

A buddy back home has a Contour SVT. In all aspects except for maybe looks the Contour SVT > GA.

[SpyhunteR]

Originally Posted by SikMindz

A buddy back home has a Contour SVT. In all aspects except for maybe looks the Contour SVT > GA.

Then you have people like me that have no respect for contours...

[SikMindz]

I stand corrected. In all aspects except Spy the Contour SVT > V6GA

[bigbenSC]

Originally Posted by SikMindz

A buddy back home has a Contour SVT. In all aspects except for maybe looks the Contour SVT > GA.

I agree, I wanted to buy a used one way back in 2001 when I got the GA, but the price was a bit steep... missed opportunity. Now most SVT's I see have had the snot kicked out of them.

[BigTaters]

ford contour = barf... looks alone i wouldnt want to be seen in that thing.. there are much nicer cars to get if u want something that will outperform a GA

[atc3434]

Ehh, its in interesting looking car, takes some apperence mods to really set it off. Drives really nice. 3.0 swap with maybe headers, and a few other goodeis and you've got a fun car. Basically, if it was easier to 5spd a GA, I wouldn't be thinking about this, but thats pretty difficult to do, and I have decided automatic is just not my thing.

[rap219]

personally I think the SVT looks better than a stock GA SE but.... ITs a ford. And if i know anything about ford 5-speeds they suck. all of my fords i've owned w/ a 5-speed have had the tranny go bad. Probes, SuperCoupes, and even my truck.

[mr_eh]

wait you mean ga 's arent fast?

[atc3434]

Originally Posted by mr_eh

wait you mean ga 's arent fast?

My GA is faster than the Contour. I like the sleeper qualities of the GA, its really fun playing with somebody and them finding out that you're packing more than they suspect. However, slower and all, the Contour SVT is way more fun to drive. Close ratio 5spd, very reactive clutch, steering, brakes, etc. Motor that loves to rev. Its a fun car to drive, even if it is a touch slower than the GA I have right now. Like I said, if I get one, its getting the 3.0 swap at some point with most of the bolt ons, makes a pretty quick car. Well see what happens, I do like my GA a lot, and its looking pretty decent at this point, and defintley moves well, so we'll see.

[mr_eh]

yeah when you open up that low 15 second grand am cars dont know what hit em

[atc3434]

Originally Posted by mr_eh

yeah when you open up that low 15 second grand am cars dont know what hit em

Yea, I guess they are surprised when a car is signifigant faster than it is expected to be. But you're hot **** now because you drive an SRT-4, so none of this GA stuff matters to you. Why are you even here? Its obviously not because you support the community. Boredom? Nothing better to do?

[UNCTYPE-S]

Eh, i got the el banno button for talking like you are right now. So from now on, I guess you have to lie to people to make them feel better.

Andrew, yes I would be saying these things still if I had my ga. I stopped after a CAI and exhaust, did my searching around the board only to find out, people have spent thousands on their car only to get into the 14's. I know that is just my personal preference, but what fun is spending money and not getting anything significant out of it? That's how I felt with the ga and I smartened up and stopped spending money on it (performance).