According to EPA ratings, the SVT focus uses about 40% more fuel than the MINI, which is not insignificant if you ask me (28 mpg combined vs. 20 mpg combined). This is under the new ultra conservative EPA ratings, so I'm sure real world mileage is much better for both cars, most people I know with NA MINIs report real world mileage in the high 30s. I know those new EPA ratings are bunk quantitatively, but they are still useful for making relative comparisons.
Can't comment on the MINI since I have never driven one. I have driven most of the various iterations of the Focus from pure stock to my supercharged version.
The 2003 2.3L Duratech engined Focus is at about the same price point as an SVT now. And it makes a much better Auto-X car than the SVT.
billy: The SVt power steering problem comes from the sustained high RPM operation in track use (never seen one fail on an Auto-X only car). The problem is that an O-ring in the connector on the PS line blows out.
I have seen 3 methods of solving the problem:
Reworking the connector to use a copper washer which works just fine.
Changing the pressure relief spring in the system for a lighter one which makes the steering a little stiffer at low speed but works fine on the track.
Puting an underdrive pulley on the PS pump which has about the same effect as a lighter spring but is a little more complicated to do.
Josh wrote: According to EPA ratings, the SVT focus uses about 40% more fuel than the MINI, which is not insignificant if you ask me (28 mpg combined vs. 20 mpg combined).
Like I said above, the SVT's EPA rating is absolute crap. I have no idea where it came from. I get 15-17 on track, which is approaching that 20 combined number. I get 27mpg in mixed driving all the time.
I can't speak to the MINI's number, but I've never seen an EPA rating as far off as that of the SVT Focus. The comparison of EPA numbers in this case is almost certainly worthless. In most cars I can get about 1mpg more than the old EPA hwy number. In the SVT I can beat the old hwy number by 5-6mpg.
Hal wrote: billy: The SVt power steering problem comes from the sustained high RPM operation in track use (never seen one fail on an Auto-X only car).
I'm sure that track use doesn't help it, but my research into the problem suggests that it's not limited to track cars. Admittedly, the only 1st hand experience I have is my own car, which sees the track regularly. But, I read it on the Internet, so it must be true. 
One thing to keep in mind is used parts availability. I'm not sure how many parts interchange between the standard focus and the SVT, but I'm starting to see alot of foci in the junkyards. Have not spotted a mini yet...
15-17 mpg on the track. You must have a very light foot. My ZX2/SR gets between 8-10 mpg.
Depends on the track. In fairness, that number is based on a tank, which will include a drive to the track (60 mi freeway @ 30mpg) plus the rest on track. Realistically the track-only mileage at my usual venue (TWS) is probably more like 12-15.
At TMS I'm down around 11, but on the roval you're at full throttle for a looong time. 17 (or 15 in my revised number) is in the wet at TWS.
billy3esq wrote: If that's $8500 +TT&L, you should be able to get a sub 50k SVT. Heck, I'd sell you my 46k Texas car for $8500.
I live 20 min from NYC, on Long Island. Everything is expensive here.
Hal- Ive looked at the Duratec cars. I can't seem to find on in a ZX3 with a manual. That, and I thought the suspension and brake upgrades on the SVT would be a better starting point, no?
I do know that when I had my focus, the shocks and springs were a direct drop in, no special bits needed.
If you can swing for it, I would suggest you take a test drive in the new Si sedan. It has a sweeter motor than both, great interior with more than enough room and great trunk room. Great sound system (350w stock with sub) and good looks. The suspension is taut and it will be a better resale than the foci, but not as great as the mini. I
BobOfTheFuture wrote: Hal- Ive looked at the Duratec cars. I can't seem to find on in a ZX3 with a manual. That, and I thought the suspension and brake upgrades on the SVT would be a better starting point, no?
The suspension and brake upgrades are available dirt cheap from Capaldi racing and many other Ford Racing parts vendors. The brakes are about $800, and the suspension is less than $300. You'll need 16" wheels to clear the front brakes (there are a few 15s that fit, but not many), but I think a 2.3 Duratec car should have 16s from the factory.
That said, if you want to autocross, I'd do something other than the stock SVT suspension. At a minimum I'd start with the Spec Focus suspension, and, truth be told, you could probably go stiffer than that. I'd make it an ST car at that point.
BobOfTheFuture wrote:billy3esq wrote: If that's $8500 +TT&L, you should be able to get a sub 50k SVT. Heck, I'd sell you my 46k Texas car for $8500.I live 20 min from NYC, on Long Island. Everything is expensive here.
Even plane tickets? 
Billy- Oh the tickets are no problem! Its getting time off over here at jetBlue. y'know, for the ride home. That and the st stuff takes me pretty far from that this car needs to be a DD... and carry my girl with no too much complaining, haha.
rwdsport- Si=Blegh. No thanks.
It seems a mini does pretty well in its stock class... it will be annoying still being in H, but hey, looks like its for me, for now....
Thanks for the help, guys.
Hello, my name is Jamie form Knoxville, TN. Don't ask how I found this thread, but I did. And now I've joined your site. Seems pretty cool so far. Anyway, the reason I'm posting is because I drive a '00 Focus in HS for autocross. A friend of mine, Aaron Carroll, drives an SVT Foci and nearly dominates his class. With just a few upgrades, which are really cheap, the Focus is a fierce competitor in any race. Plus with all the online forums and communities dedicated to the Focus, any help finding product or service is widely available. Not putting down the Mini, they handle great and are a blast to drive, I just think the Ford is more practical. Especially from a money stand point.
Just my .02
I vote for the Mini. Now move along.
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