** the next model down has a 2.0 liter 4 banger with about 120
** horses...You're kidding right ?
It wasn't the SVT version; it had the 2.3L 144-HP engine and an automatic transmission. The thing only weighs 2606 lbs, and off the line with the 146 ft. lbs. of torque, it flat-out FLEW. I was not expecting this from what I consider to be a low-end econobox. Around town, it's a HOOT. At highway speeds, there was no torque to speak of. The last time I was surprised like this was when I rented a Chevy Minivan with a turbo charged V-6.
If she will let me drive it again, I'll time the 0-60. (doubtful - she found out that I was out hot-rodding it; when I returned, the front brakes and tires were still smoking a bit.)
I just thought it was funny that a $14.95/day Focus rental would pique my interest like that. It's SO incredibly ugly, yet performs exceptionally well. The steering is crisp, the ride amazingly good for such a tiny little weeniermobile, and the off-the-line acceleration was something that actually surprised the hell out of me.
The Engine:
-JD
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