Both British mags have tests/comparisons of the GTI and ST. I didn't read the articles word for word (you buy the mags and/or go online and read for yourself), but basically, they thought the Ford didn't do too bad. HOWEVER, considering the ST has 40 more horses than the "comparable" GTI (240 versus 200), both mags felt it wasn't that much faster when driven agresssively on winding secondary roads. And the extra power made itself felt through the steering wheel (torque steer). So much for Ford's "special" front suspension parts/geometry. What helps the Ford, at least in Europe, is that it is quite a bit LESS expensive than the GTI...like the equivalent of $6,000.00.
One of the mags also did a "short take" on the Focus Eco-boost. That's the Focus with the new, 3 cylinder with a turbo, engine. I doubt that one will ever make it to the U.S. unless gas gets to $5 or $6 a gallon as it makes NON turbo diesels of the late '70s to early '90s look go...acceleration-wise.
The Focus ST is only 240hp? And doesn't have a limited slip? MS3 for me thanks.
I don't think the Focus got the Revo-knuckle of previous Euro cars.
clutchsmoke, I loved my MS3 but be ready for insane amounts of torque steer!
z31maniac wrote:
I don't think the Focus got the Revo-knuckle of previous Euro cars.
clutchsmoke, I loved my MS3 but be ready for insane amounts of torque steer!
Torque steer you say? That's alright I like a challenge 
St doesn't have the revo knuckle. I drove one last week and wasn't that impressed. The smell of hot brakes left and impression as the car tried to make up for the open differential.
Overall it felt like a comfy daily driver with some extra scoot. Certainly didn't feel like 252 horsepower though.
clutchsmoke wrote:
z31maniac wrote:
I don't think the Focus got the Revo-knuckle of previous Euro cars.
clutchsmoke, I loved my MS3 but be ready for insane amounts of torque steer!
Torque steer you say? That's alright I like a challenge
If you buy a smiley face one (mine was a 2010) the only thing they really need are stickier tires than the stock Dunlops, bigger rear bar and solid rear engine mount......................other than that pretty awesome little cars.
The biggest help i had with my old MS3 was after i put a rear motor mount on it and it changed the drivability to new levels of awesome.
I could only guess what would happen once you do all the mounts....
Suposedly, the Revo Knuckle was dropped because of it's weight.
The EPAS is supposed to handle torque steer.
Apparently the suspension is set up to a little more rear bias to help limit understeer.
Eco-boost. That's the Focus with the new, 3 cylinder with a turbo, engine. I doubt that one will ever make it to the U.S.
apparently it is, I heard this story a few days ago:
http://www.npr.org/2012/07/24/157252558/fords-little-engine-that-could-challenge-hybrids
I kind of like the GTI better than the ST....FWIW.
I am driving the ST on Saturday at this Ford event: Looks like there is a slot open at 4PM in San Francisco.
http://www.drivefocusst.com/Map.aspx
I will curious to compare it against the automatic rental I had a couple of weeks ago.
When somebody simply says "ST", I picture this long before I picture a focus. I guess I am old.
