Focus RS vs. Focus ST: PH Blog
So just how do the Focus hot hatch duo compare? To Wales!
Don't forget there's another fast Ford Focus
Obviously the RS is miles quicker, right? Erm... It's not a night and day difference, put it that way. While the 2.3 in the RS is more eager, more responsive and more willing than the ST's 2.0-litre, its 350hp is shifting 1,599kg and the red car's 250hp is only moving 1,437kg. So it is faster, yes, but not massively so. If you see a Mountune badge on an ST then just be wary RS drivers...
But when the roads around the Elan Valley become beautifully, brilliantly Welsh, the RS is the place to be. Turn in is sharp and its composure unshakeable, shrugging off bumps that see the ST flare up into wheelspin. The RS is a more immersive and precise experience, with more weight to the controls, more noise and more sense of occasion. As you would rightly expect.
The ST isn't left floundering, however. It's easy to forget how good a hot hatch it is, what with the rise of the mega hatches in recent years. There feels to have been a few tweaks since we last drove one too, this car less prone to torque steer than the earlier cars. The Michelin Pilot Super Sports fitted to this car - same as the RS, in fact - must contribute to that additional poise, and it's a really enjoyable car to drive a Welsh B-road in. The steering is more natural than in the RS, for example, less prone to the blue car's aggressive self centring.
Wales in hot hatches? Bliss!
There can't really be a conclusion here, because these two aren't direct rivals. But it was interesting to note the exact moments the RS was preferred to the ST, and the weekend also served as a reminder of how good the latter is. Certainly there was more demand for that key than the RS for the journey home. There will be more to follow on the blue car soon but, if you're in the market for a hot hatch, don't forget the other fast Ford!
Matt
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Photos: Ben Lowden
Surely not?
Both great cars in their own ways, the ST would have to be orange though, for my tastes.
It's good to see that they have made tweaks to the ST steering too, the word I heard used for the earlier models was "busy", which would almost certainly spoil the fun.
It'd have to be grey though, I think the blue, whilst a funky colour in its own right, makes the car look cheap.
It'd have to be grey though, I think the blue, whilst a funky colour in its own right, makes the car look cheap.
Whilst the ST-£ may be priced at just £3k less than the RS, that's pre discount. You can easily knock £5k off the list price of the ST, where as I doubt there's any discount to be had from the RS.
But the coveted RS badge will win over on rarity and heritage, as it will always be the more sought after one of course.
Id rather save the money and take the ST - it doesn't have that drug dealer image like the RS either.
But the coveted RS badge will win over on rarity and heritage, as it will always be the more sought after one of course.
Id rather save the money and take the ST - it doesn't have that drug dealer image like the RS either.
Surely not?
Both great cars in their own ways, the ST would have to be orange though, for my tastes.
It's good to see that they have made tweaks to the ST steering too, the word I heard used for the earlier models was "busy", which would almost certainly spoil the fun.
Both obviously different cars for different jobs: the RS is the better driving machine and much more fun, the ST is slightly more civilised but still a great amount of fun. As pointed out above, with a straight choice between the 2 I would go for RS all day long as the total cost of 2/3 years is going to be significantly less.
Understeer or oversteer much? We currently have the ST Estate as a family hack for kids and so on and it's very capable.
I have been thinking about chopping my M3 in for a brand new RS. But if it's FWD bias I will not bother.
However, it's still a Focus and doesn't feel special inside.
so, what would you choose?Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff