Hi all.
I'm looking at getting a Focus. I know the different levels of trim and the
benefits of each. But what's the point of the Zetec range. Apart from the
add on's (alloys etc) the engine is Zetec, but what's different about a
Zetec engine compared to a regular Ford Focus engine?
Thanks
>...what's the point of the Zetec range. Apart from the
> add on's (alloys etc) the engine is Zetec, but what's different about a
> Zetec engine compared to a regular Ford Focus engine?
I'm assuming you live in North America (European motors are different). The
Zetec motor is somewhat more powerful than the SPI (130 vs 110hp), but has a
little less low-end torque, which is compensated for by peppier gear ratios.
It burns a little more gas, and has an advantage of being able to run (at
low power) without coolant in case of coolant loss.
Based on comments on this newsgroup, Zetec owners generally seem to like
their engines. But in normal driving I doubt there is much to choose between
them.
KW_UK - 25 Apr 2004 10:41 GMT
dealer in uk here told me that the zetec range in general had "sportier"
stiffer suspension and larger alloy wheels to "improve" handling
> >...what's the point of the Zetec range. Apart from the
> > add on's (alloys etc) the engine is Zetec, but what's different about a
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> their engines. But in normal driving I doubt there is much to choose between
> them.
Tim \(Remove NOSPAM. - 25 Apr 2004 14:24 GMT
> dealer in uk here told me that the zetec range in general had "sportier"
> stiffer suspension and larger alloy wheels to "improve" handling
indeed. on UK Foci the "zetec" models have 10% stiffer suspension and the
15inch alloys.
Its alittle confusing, as *ALL* the petrol engines in the Foci range are
from the Zetec-x family.
Just like the engines in the current mondeo are all from the Duratec-x
family.
Tim..
Chris Game - 25 Apr 2004 15:50 GMT
Tim (Remove NOSPAM. wrote:
> Its a little confusing, as *ALL* the petrol engines in the Foci
> range are from the Zetec-x family.
I thought the 1.6 petrol was a zetec-s (aluminium) engine (UK)?

Signature
Chris Game
"Ignorance is Strength" - George Orwell, 1984.
Tim - 25 Apr 2004 22:15 GMT
Tim (Remove NOSPAM. wrote:
>> dealer in uk here told me that the zetec range in general had
>> "sportier" stiffer suspension and larger alloy wheels to "improve"
>> handling
>
> indeed. on UK Foci the "zetec" models have 10% stiffer suspension and
> the 15inch alloys.
<snip>
...16" on the 2 litre model (at least that is the case on the 2001 model I
own). It's a minor point I know, but personally, I prefer the look of the
16" wheels as they "blend" into the tyre sidewall and don't have a bead
around the rim.
Tim (a different one)
Tim - 25 Apr 2004 22:18 GMT
> Tim (Remove NOSPAM. wrote:
>>> dealer in uk here told me that the zetec range in general had
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.667 / Virus Database: 429 - Release Date: 23/04/2004
Forgot to add that IMHO it handles really well. NOT the most powerful car in
its class by any means, but certainly lots of fun to drive and looks nice
too. Mine came with the "RS" bumpers and sideskirts (with the silver
coloured mesh and round fog lights) which makes it a bit different.
Tim
KW_UK - 26 Apr 2004 00:03 GMT
i hate the standard focus alloys, hence why i am going for that "mp3"
special edition with the rs style 17" alloys...
my own opinion tho of course
> > Tim (Remove NOSPAM. wrote:
> >>> dealer in uk here told me that the zetec range in general had
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.667 / Virus Database: 429 - Release Date: 23/04/2004
per - 25 Apr 2004 17:46 GMT
In Europe there are aluminum block Zetec engines of 1.4 and 1.6 litres and
iron blocks of 1.8 and 2.0 litres.
These two series seem to be of completely different design, despite the
Zetec name they have in common. Only the 2 litre Zetec engine is the same in
Europe and North America. The UK Zetec badged cars have these Zetec engines
(not the 1.4 though), up to 2 litre and 130 hp, just like every Focus in
Europe. There are also Duratec diesel engines in the Zetec body now.
Only the ST 170 and RS models have more powerful engines.
A few posts here have indicated blown oil rings in the smaller alu Zetec
engines lately.
Could you please develop this comment further:
"has an advantage of being able to run (at low power) without coolant in
case of coolant loss."
Where did you find that information?
/per
> >...what's the point of the Zetec range. Apart from the
> > add on's (alloys etc) the engine is Zetec, but what's different about a
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> their engines. But in normal driving I doubt there is much to choose between
> them.
Alan - 25 Apr 2004 19:52 GMT
In message <408beb68@news.wineasy.se>, per <nospam@nospam.com> wrote
>Could you please develop this comment further:
>"has an advantage of being able to run (at low power) without coolant in
>case of coolant loss."
>Where did you find that information?
From the UK Focus Ford Owners manual
<http://www.amacleod.clara.co.uk/focus/>

Signature
Alan
mailto:news2me_a_2003@amacleod.clara.co.uk
C Thibault - 26 Apr 2004 04:50 GMT
North American Owners manual has the same info.
Chris.
> In message <408beb68@news.wineasy.se>, per <nospam@nospam.com> wrote
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> From the UK Focus Ford Owners manual
> <http://www.amacleod.clara.co.uk/focus/>
> Hi all.
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Thanks
Hi,
I have a 2000 Focus ZX3 5 speed. As an average driver the difference I find
is just that little bit more "pep" when going for the pass or need a touch
more power and response in certain situations.
Since I have gotten my ZX3 I have driven friends Foci that are not Zetec and
personally they feel much more sluggish than my car. The friends will agree.
So if you want just that little bit more "punch" to your driving you will
definately want the Zetec. It actually makes the little beast fun to drive.
That's my non-technical observation! *grin*
toodles
HeatherM
~GO SCHUMIE GO!~