I have an Escort ZX2. I was just reading about the focus and they have zx3,4,5. I thought that they zx designated a performance model not just a trim package. doesn't the zx2 designate a 2L DOHC engine. So what is the matter with the zx3,zx4,zx5 they don't have a 3.0 V6 or 4.0 V6 or a 5.0 V8. What is a matter with ford?? Next thier will be GT-comfort interior luxury group. Kinda like the GM 2wd Z71 defeats the meaning doesn't it?
later
Dustin

 

The zx2,3,4,5 are actually the number of doors, not the engine size - 2 was the 2-door, 3 is the 3-door hatchback, 4 is the 4-door sedan, and 5 is the 5-door hatchback. Since even the base-model Focus has more horsepower and torque than the ZX2, I guess they are all pretty much the "performance" version.

LK

 

Why didn't they call a standard escort a ZX3 4 or 5
ya we know that but which one is FASTER!! sense the zx2 has shorter gearing and it lighter it will take a factory focus easily.

 

while the old ZX2 would no doubt take the ZX3 and ZX4/5's I seriously doubt it holds a candle to the ST.

 

Since it's a (really) slow morning at work, I did a bit of research.

Weight: the Focus ZX4 (sedan) weighs 2643 lbs, the Escort ZX2 weighs 2478 lbs - so the ZX2 is 165 lbs lighter. Figuring the horsepower difference, that works out to 19.06 lbs/hp for the ZX2 and 19.43 lbs/hp for the Focus.

Gearing: The final drive ratio for the Focus is 3.82, and for the ZX2 it's 4.10 with the manual and 3.74 with the auto.

So, the ZX2 would probably have a slight advantage in acceleration, especially with the manual...but it'd be pretty close, and would really depend on the drivers. The motor in the Focus has a broader power band, and it's tough to take that into consideration. The ST would beat the ZX2 pretty easily, even with a questionable driver.

However, having driven both I'd say that the Focus has a definite advantage on any road that has curves...of all the small cars I've driven, the Focus has to be one of the best-handling.

LK

 

What is an ST

 

The ST is the "higher performance" Focus - 151 hp instead of 136, plus some other differences. Unfortunately, they don't sell the SVT Focus here anymore...they have higher-performance versions in Europe (like the RS), but apparently Ford decided there wasn't a market for them in the U.S. That seems like an odd move, since both the Neon and the new Cobalt are available with 200+ hp engines.

Personally, what I think they need is an AWD Focus with 300+ hp to compete with the STi and Evo.

LK

 

That would be an unreal machine, fun but costly to build on that chassis.

 

There was a show Focus Cosworth which had Awd and 300hp, and there was huge rumors about it going into production - it never happened though

Rumors I have heard indicate the new Focus (available in some markets already) will have a ST version with 220hp, and an RS version with even more.
I haven't heard anything about Awd though...
I very much doubt that there will be a Cosworth version any more- seeing Ford is trying to sell Cosworth

I will remember some of those Escort and Sierra Cosworths with fond memories - especially the mighty RS500, prehaps the greatest touring car of all time.

Its a sad day when accountants stop letting manufacturers build impressive cars.

 

It's been a sad day for a long time, as far as production of anything goes. Everyone wants to be a zillionaire, so the bottom line is profit .... not necessarily quality. Most manufacturers get a good start on something fantastic, but if the profit margin is not meeting set goals ... poof ...gone the way of the Dodo.

 

The "ZX" name is the "upper" line, the older Focus ZX3, 4, 5 came with the 2.0 Zetec, same one in the ZX2, and some other stuff inside. Now they have the larger Duratec 4 cylinder (150 HP) the ST has. The numbers mean the number of doors, like the other poster said. Ever seen a 5 door Escort? Nope. Thats why there is only the ZX2 escort. The only ZX2 that can run with a ST Focus is the ZX2 S/R, it came with a cat-back, intake, performance PCM, etc.

A non ZX, and SE focus, is the base model, running a 2.0 SPI (Split Port) motor, putting out around 110 HP I believe, same engine as in the non ZX2 (base) Escorts.

A SPI car with an automatic is a real dog... They put around 90-95 HP to the ground. Zetec ZX2s and Focus put out around 110-115HP to the ground with a manual, 100-105 with the auto on a good day.

 

The US Focus still has the driveshaft tunnel from the European AWD Focus, so its not that hard really.

Ford isnt building a Neon SRT killer, but you can build your own using a cheap used Focus and a 351. Doing the work yourself or buying the kit will do the job for less than a new SRT.

 

A 351 in a Focus....that has got to be a tight fit.

 

I used to have a ZX3 Focus with 2.0 zetec and 5 speed. That car was awesome. It handled better than any car I have owned. I think it would take the ZX2. The Escort is a P.O.S. too, if you ask me. I can hardy fit in one and they rattle and are made of the cheapest plastic money can buy. Sorry. I'm being harsh. It's true though. Drive a focus, man. You'll want to trade the ZX2.

 

Guess all ZX2s are not created equal. My dads ZX2 is tight, no rattles, and its already 4 years old. I do agree with the size though. I can barely get in the darn thing. If I fit in it better, I would buy one in a heatrbeat.

Tim Lankin- Check this out http://www.tcf-v8-focus-conversions.com/

There is actually plenty of room. The Focus has a huge engine cpompartment for such a small car. If I didnt have my truck to dump my money into, I would already have one of these.