How fast is a Ford Contour SVT?
In stock form, the Ford Contour SVT can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.0 to 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed around 140 mph. As Ford’s high-performance take on the Contour, it pairs a tuned V6 with a sportier chassis to deliver brisk acceleration and confident highway cruising.
What makes the Contour SVT quick
The Contour SVT was developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) in the late 1990s as a hotter alternative to the standard Contour. It used a focused engine and chassis package to improve performance while retaining the practicality of a mid-size sedan. The figures below reflect stock, well-maintained examples and can vary with wear, tires, and condition.
Engineered for performance without compromising daily usability, the Contour SVT combined a higher-revving V6 with a manual gearbox, precision steering, and a sport-tuned suspension to create a stronger on-road character than many of its peers in the era.
Engine and drivetrain specifications
At its heart sits a 2.5-liter Duratec V6 producing about 195 horsepower and around 165 lb-ft of torque. power is sent through a 5-speed manual transmission to the front wheels, with a chassis tuned for sharper responses than the standard Contour.
Key performance elements in stock form include a DOHC 24-valve design and a sport-oriented suspension setup designed to balance everyday comfort with improved handling and cornering grip.
Key performance specifications (typical values):
- Engine: 2.5-liter Duratec V6
- Power: 195 hp @ ~6,000 rpm
- Torque: ~165 lb-ft @ ~4,000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Weight: roughly 3,100–3,250 pounds
These numbers describe stock, unmodified examples; actual performance will vary with maintenance, mileage, fuel, and tire condition.
Performance benchmarks
When tested under typical showroom conditions, the Contour SVT’s performance benchmarks generally fall within the following ranges. Real-world results depend on tire grip, temperature, and vehicle condition.
Performance benchmarks (typical values):
- 0–60 mph: about 7.0 to 7.5 seconds
- Top speed: around 140 mph (electronically limited in most markets)
- Quarter-mile: roughly 15.0 to 15.6 seconds at 88–90 mph
- Braking: 60–0 mph in the low 120s feet, depending on tires and condition
In everyday driving, factors such as tire choice, maintenance, and road conditions can push these numbers in either direction.
Historical context and today’s perspective
Produced for a relatively brief period at the end of the 1990s and early 2000s, the Contour SVT remains a notable entry in Ford’s SVT lineup for enthusiasts who want a practical sedan with a bit of edge. Today, surviving examples vary in value and condition, with parts and expertise available through specialty channels. The car’s appeal lies in its balance of everyday usability and a spirited driving character rather than outright track pace.
Summary
The Ford Contour SVT blended a 2.5-liter Duratec V6 with a 5-speed manual to deliver about 195 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. Stock figures typically place 0–60 mph in roughly 7.0–7.5 seconds, a top speed near 140 mph, and quarter-mile times in the mid to high teens. Real-world performance depends heavily on maintenance, tires, and overall vehicle condition, but the SVT remains a standout for motorists seeking a practical sedan with extra speed.
In short, the Contour SVT offers a solid combination of everyday practicality and brisk performance for a late-1990s mid-size car, with numbers that reflect its era rather than modern performance benchmarks.
