A new challenger appears: Ford Focus RS

SDKevin · 02-03-2015, 01:52 PM

I'd pick that over a Mustang (if I had to pick a Ford).

PackPride85 · 02-03-2015, 02:04 PM

I would have looked at one of these 7 or 8 years ago when I bought my mazdaspeed 3. Trading up for an M2 next year but I'd still take the m235i over that any day. I'd imagine the RS will run mid 30s loaded.

BMW269 · 02-04-2015, 09:39 AM

UpNcOmINg! · 02-04-2015, 02:03 PM

Sounds decent for a 4 banger

amdmaxx · 02-04-2015, 02:58 PM

4.2

RS will be awesome.. Little, practical, fast, great handling hatch for 40k before discounts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Das Johnson

like, 4.99992 seconds?

Eagle1oh7 · 02-04-2015, 06:16 PM

WTH? LOL, good laugh!

auf Deutsch · 02-04-2015, 08:03 PM

With the ST weighing 3200, figure the RS at around 3400 (similar to STI) with its AWD set-up. Having the extra 30-50 extra hp over the STI with optional sport cup rubber, the RS will beat the Subaru and Golf R in every measurable category. I don't think it's an M2 competitor but it will be crossed shopped.

RocketJohn · 02-04-2015, 09:14 PM

Not even the same class of car. No one cross shops these two.

amdmaxx · 02-04-2015, 09:36 PM

Yet GT4 vs M2 is 7 pages strong.. M2 is not in the same class as GT4..

M3 Adjuster · 02-04-2015, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by auf Deutsche

With the ST weighing 3200, figure the RS at around 3400 (similar to STI) with its AWD set-up. Having the extra 30-50 extra hp over the STI with optional sport cup rubber, the RS will beat the Subaru and Golf R in every measurable category. I don't think it's an M2 competitor but it will be crossed shopped.

Agree.. I would also include mitsu EVO.

Mark's M · 02-04-2015, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by auf Deutsche

With the ST weighing 3200, figure the RS at around 3400 (similar to STI) with its AWD set-up. Having the extra 30-50 extra hp over the STI with optional sport cup rubber, the RS will beat the Subaru and Golf R in every measurable category. I don't think it's an M2 competitor but it will be crossed shopped.

You got that right!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketJohn

Not even the same class of car. No one cross shops these two.

You got that wrong. Go to the similar thread M235 vs RS and read the consensus on what "cross shopping" is. If someone is passionate about this car and it performs as Ken Block demonstrated (thanks for the video Levi, it was excellent) then 'ya never know!!

Jackie Chiles · 02-05-2015, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by auf Deutsche

With the ST weighing 3200, figure the RS at around 3400 (similar to STI) with its AWD set-up. Having the extra 30-50 extra hp over the STI with optional sport cup rubber, the RS will beat the Subaru and Golf R in every measurable category. I don't think it's an M2 competitor but it will be crossed shopped.

Absolutely agree.

I'll be buying a performance car in the fall, and I'm looking at everything from a Golf R to an M4.

walile · 02-05-2015, 08:17 AM

The Focus RS is likely gonna be an amazing little car that offers a good balance of utility, practicality, performance and price.

The problem with the Focus RS is the interior. While functional, it just somehow lacks the quality and upscale feel compared to the BMW or even to the VW Golf R, despite the Recaro seats and all.

auf Deutsch · 02-05-2015, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walile

The problem with the Focus RS is the interior. While functional, it just somehow lacks the quality and upscale feel compared to the BMW or even to the VW Golf R, despite the Recaro seats and all.

It's the Ford performance division's mantra, focus on performance rather than luxury or aesthetics. An example is the GT350 vs M4. Many enthusiasts over on the F80 board almost seem jealous that a (most likely) higher performing, less expensive car with a sparse interior (which, from a pure driver standpoint, is irrelevant) can be had. That doesn't necessarily mean it's uncomfortable to DD.

I'm on the "less is more" side with the M2. Give me a gutted interior with manual cloth seats, a working radio, and A/C. Keep the frills, give me the weight savings. Oh, and offering optional Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires would be a big selling point.

walile · 02-05-2015, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by auf Deutsche

It's the Ford performance division's mantra, focus on performance rather than luxury or aesthetics. An example is the GT350 vs M4. Many enthusiasts over on the F80 board almost seem jealous that a (most likely) higher performing, less expensive car with a sparse interior (which, from a pure driver standpoint, is irrelevant) can be had. That doesn't necessarily mean it's uncomfortable to DD.

I'm on the "less is more" side with the M2. Give me a gutted interior with manual cloth seats, a working radio, and A/C. Keep the frills, give me the weight savings. Oh, and offering optional Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires would be a big selling point.

It is always good to have choices. Personally I think less is more applies more to purpose build sports car like the GT3 RS or Ferrari CS/Scuderia/Speciale ...etc. Maybe also the Cayman GT4.

Between the Golf R and Focus RS, one critical difference would be between a more upscale interior or a bit more performance. The Golf R has economy car root just like the Focus, but the interior to me more refined.

The M2 is at a totally different category and price point. People looking for practicality will look else where and I certainly wouldn't want a gutted interior in my M2.

vladberca · 02-05-2015, 01:46 PM

It will be in class with M135i. Golf R. Audi S3.
The superior performance class will have RS3, M2, A/ CLA 45 AMG.
Let's not mix the things too much!

auf Deutsch · 02-05-2015, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vladberca

The superior performance class will have RS3, M2, A/ CLA 45 AMG.

I honestly think the A/CLA 45 will be totally outgunned by the other two. That is, unless AMG comes out with a performance/competition/LCI model in a year or two with a significant bump in hp. As it stands now, the S3 is just as quick and maneuverable.

den525 · 02-05-2015, 06:30 PM

Amg will have to come out with a black edition to fight m2 and rs3

abp689 · 02-05-2015, 06:45 PM

Agreed it's a different class of car but so far it sounds like it will be a real performer. I am holding out for the M2 but will consider the RS.

I can't say I am excited about the interior but I could over look that if it drives like a FiST.

dan99 · 02-05-2015, 06:46 PM

Its not even an m235i rival....

If the ford focus ST was in the same price bracket as m235i/m135i or s3, then it'd a be a rival, but this is an RS model and the only rival that I can think of right now is the golf R

Advevo · 02-06-2015, 08:04 AM

Focus RS will be a nice car next to an M2. Best of both worlds

Rwd with mechanical diff ---> M2 and 4wd Focus RS.

I am going for a test drive for the RS. If it will do perfect 4wd slides this car comes next to an M2.

Delnari · 02-06-2015, 12:51 PM

It would make one heck of an urban snowmobile. Still holding out for the unveiling of the Audi TTQ E-Tron.

02-03-2015, 01:52 PM	#23
SDKevin Cone Killer 85 Rep 208 Posts Drives: 2024 M240i, Ducati 1299S Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	I'd pick that over a Mustang (if I had to pick a Ford).
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02-03-2015, 02:04 PM	#24
PackPride85 Lieutenant Colonel 1120 Rep 1,644 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	I would have looked at one of these 7 or 8 years ago when I bought my mazdaspeed 3. Trading up for an M2 next year but I'd still take the m235i over that any day. I'd imagine the RS will run mid 30s loaded.
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02-04-2015, 09:39 AM	#25
BMW269 Brigadier General 433 Rep 3,888 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)
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02-04-2015, 02:03 PM	#26
UpNcOmINg! Second Lieutenant 95 Rep 273 Posts Drives: e82 BMW 135i Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: South Africa (Cape Town) iTrader: (0)	Sounds decent for a 4 banger
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02-04-2015, 06:16 PM	#28
Eagle1oh7 Lieutenant Colonel 287 Rep 1,710 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chula Vista CA iTrader: (0)	WTH? LOL, good laugh! __________________ DONE: Seibon CF Hood, M3 Rep, MSport rear w/DD CF Diffuser, M3 Rep Skirts, Seibon CSL trunklid, Forgestar F14 18s w/Michelin PSS, Eisenmann catback, AA Headers, BPC Stage 2, Charcoal Delete+revMotor+AFE Drop In filter FUTURE MODS: LED headlights, CF rooftop, M3 Suspension Conversion, Dinan CAI Mod
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02-04-2015, 08:03 PM	#29
auf Deutsch Colonel 1913 Rep 2,210 Posts Drives: '17 jackrabbit on crystal meth Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Philly burbs iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M2 [0.00]	With the ST weighing 3200, figure the RS at around 3400 (similar to STI) with its AWD set-up. Having the extra 30-50 extra hp over the STI with optional sport cup rubber, the RS will beat the Subaru and Golf R in every measurable category. I don't think it's an M2 competitor but it will be crossed shopped.
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02-04-2015, 09:14 PM	#30
RocketJohn Hookem Horns! 5 Rep 41 Posts Drives: '89 325iX, '95 993C2 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Not even the same class of car. No one cross shops these two.
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02-04-2015, 09:36 PM	#31
amdmaxx My gift Registry: M2 119 Rep 1,432 Posts Drives: Future Mowner of Monster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Yet GT4 vs M2 is 7 pages strong.. M2 is not in the same class as GT4..
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02-05-2015, 08:17 AM	#35
walile Private First Class 40 Rep 141 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	The Focus RS is likely gonna be an amazing little car that offers a good balance of utility, practicality, performance and price. The problem with the Focus RS is the interior. While functional, it just somehow lacks the quality and upscale feel compared to the BMW or even to the VW Golf R, despite the Recaro seats and all.
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02-05-2015, 01:46 PM	#38
vladberca Major General 763 Rep 5,560 Posts Drives: '18 octavia 2.0 tdi dsg Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Craiova iTrader: (0)	It will be in class with M135i. Golf R. Audi S3. The superior performance class will have RS3, M2, A/ CLA 45 AMG. Let's not mix the things too much!
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02-05-2015, 06:30 PM	#40
den525 Captain 185 Rep 869 Posts Drives: BMW M235i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Amg will have to come out with a black edition to fight m2 and rs3
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02-05-2015, 06:45 PM	#41
abp689 Second Lieutenant 54 Rep 238 Posts Drives: 328xi Wagon,330ZHP, 318Ti (MT) Join Date: May 2013 Location: MI iTrader: (0)	Agreed it's a different class of car but so far it sounds like it will be a real performer. I am holding out for the M2 but will consider the RS. I can't say I am excited about the interior but I could over look that if it drives like a FiST.
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02-05-2015, 06:46 PM	#42
dan99 Captain 138 Rep 621 Posts Drives: 01' 330xi / 15' M235i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Neb iTrader: (0)	Its not even an m235i rival.... If the ford focus ST was in the same price bracket as m235i/m135i or s3, then it'd a be a rival, but this is an RS model and the only rival that I can think of right now is the golf R
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02-06-2015, 08:04 AM	#43
Advevo Banned 581 Rep 1,170 Posts Drives: M2 Competition, E30 M3 DTM Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Country where the taxes are too high!! iTrader: (0)	Focus RS will be a nice car next to an M2. Best of both worlds Rwd with mechanical diff ---> M2 and 4wd Focus RS. I am going for a test drive for the RS. If it will do perfect 4wd slides this car comes next to an M2.
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02-06-2015, 12:51 PM	#44
Delnari Major 255 Rep 1,040 Posts Drives: 2014 MG F22 Auto Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (2)	It would make one heck of an urban snowmobile. Still holding out for the unveiling of the Audi TTQ E-Tron.
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