07 ZX3 SAP or ST?

Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:24 pm

I've been mulling around the idea of going with a new ZX3 SAP manual for my "work" car.
Since this is the last year for the hatch till 2010, I would like to get one if I buy another Focus. But...there's the ST, which as we all know is a 4dr, can be had in SAP version ($$$$$), and offers a nice set up with the 2.3 and suspension. SOOOO

I have two hang ups with the ST. 1...it's a 4dr (I long for a 2dr), and 2. it's got repectable gas mileage, but not near the 2.0. Since I drive 3-5000K a month, mileage costs would be noticably lower.

The only hang up on the ZX3 SAP is the lack of power. Granted, there is always more money to spend to get some ponies, but they aren't cheap...and the 2.3 is more responsive to mods anyway....

What would you do???????

Also, taking into consideration the speedo error, I would not want to drop (I have good reasons). Could/would taller tires help fill the wheel wells....or no?

Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:45 pm

HotRodWagon wrote:I've been mulling around the idea of going with a new ZX3 SAP manual for my "work" car.
Since this is the last year for the hatch till 2010, I would like to get one if I buy another Focus. But...there's the ST, which as we all know is a 4dr, can be had in SAP version ($$$$$), and offers a nice set up with the 2.3 and suspension. SOOOO

I have two hang ups with the ST. 1...it's a 4dr (I long for a 2dr), and 2. it's got repectable gas mileage, but not near the 2.0. Since I drive 3-5000K a month, mileage costs would be noticably lower.

The only hang up on the ZX3 SAP is the lack of power. Granted, there is always more money to spend to get some ponies, but they aren't cheap...and the 2.3 is more responsive to mods anyway....

What would you do???????

Also, taking into consideration the speedo error, I would not want to drop (I have good reasons). Could/would taller tires help fill the wheel wells....or no?

Tough choice but I'd go with the ST with the SAP package, you get the best engine plus disc brakes all round.

Of course taller tires will help fill the wheel wells but besides the speedo error taller tires will cost you some low end power and accelleration.

grocerygetter · Sat Jun 23, 2007 1:37 pm

I believe you can have your ECU flashed to compensate for the larger tire diameter to correct the speedo reading. It may also help in other area's of performance not necessarily PERFORMANCE, but how the car performs on a day to day basis since the engine management system will be getting the correct signal for such things as ABS.

Tough call on which one to get, seems like there are less 3's out there with the SAP then the ST in either dress. Personally I would get the 3 not only is it the last year until??? but it fits my lifestyle best.

Things to consider, if your work involves taking clients/customers out then the 4 door is much more business friendly. If you use the car for delivery then either would work but I would lean towards the 3 again because of the cubes available with the rear seat folded down. You can always buy horsepower later for the 3 if the 3 is what you really desire go for it. There is no telling when or if the putz's at Ford will sell the hatch again.

I am old school when it comes to body type. 2 door = sports car, 4 door = something the ol man drives, and even though its not in the running the Wagon = if done RIGHT can be a respectable novelty (Chev Nomad, Dodge Magnum). There are a lot of sexy 4 doors out there, Bimmers for example...

B

Redlineracer12 · Sat Jun 23, 2007 3:22 pm

I love the ST with full appearance trim, I am so tempted to get one before they move to this new body style but I can't pony up that kinda money. I really like the looks of the 4 door. If it were me personally I would get the ST but you have to decide

Sat Jun 23, 2007 6:37 pm

There's not to many of either out there. I've been searching. Just a few ST's and one ZX3 SAP manual in the frakin state. I'm partial to the hatch, as I travel and can toss my big ass piece of luggage in pretty easy. Eh...guess we'll see.

CleanZX3 · Sat Jun 23, 2007 7:10 pm

HotRodWagon wrote:There's not to many of either out there. I've been searching. Just a few ST's and one ZX3 SAP manual in the frakin state. I'm partial to the hatch, as I travel and can toss my big ass piece of luggage in pretty easy. Eh...guess we'll see.

Yeah and that zx3 sap has somebody who put money down on it. I wanted a zx3, but after I drove the ST I loved it.

Sat Jun 23, 2007 8:00 pm

Chalon, I see a 2000 Kona in your future...hehe

soul_hammer · Sat Jun 23, 2007 9:36 pm

look down for the guidence you need.

19-Delta · Sat Jun 23, 2007 9:41 pm

The ZX-3 is what "hot-hatches" are all about. No one ever goes out and buys a "hot" four door sedan. The ZX-3 is what the Focus was meant to be by the designers in EUROPE that came up with the idea of a Focus. Ford NA has bastardized the Focus to the point where it no longer is even in the same class as its Euro cousin, but at least you could get one yet in a hatch...the way they were meant to be, and be happy with it by simply adding some small after market parts like the FS stage 1 turbo kit to it.!!!

Cheers,
Tim

Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:26 pm

Well....the ZX3 SAP manual is certainly a rare bird. I haven't given up. A regular ST is a little easier to find with the option or two I'm looking for. Or...something else maybe...

zurno · Mon Jun 25, 2007 5:11 pm

HotRodWagon wrote:Well....the ZX3 SAP manual is certainly a rare bird. I haven't given up. A regular ST is a little easier to find with the option or two I'm looking for. Or...something else maybe...

its easier to put a 2.3 in a ZX-3 than it is to make a sedan a hatch.