New Focus RS- Amazed how good it is......
Discussion
Gents,
Have just had a passenger ride in one of these, in fact its the only latest generation hot hatch I've been in (ie R26 etc) and I am amazed at how good it is!
Until now I have been a fan of the older performance car (say around 7-10 years old), considering them to offer much better value for the performance they offer, ie you can get 80% of the performance of a new car for under 40% of the cost with higher maintenance costs but low depreciation. So I have a Z3M, it wasn't cheap but I thought it was quick and handled pretty well when I got it (and of course I love the look of it).
These preconceptions have been proved wrong, I can now see how things have moved on. The performance from the RS is truely explosive/violent. I had just looked at the performance figures for this car and wasn't that impressed but in real world driving this car is amazing. I recommend you try one!
If I didn't live in Manchester where I would get car jacked for it I'd have a Focus RS tomorrow!
Have just had a passenger ride in one of these, in fact its the only latest generation hot hatch I've been in (ie R26 etc) and I am amazed at how good it is!
Until now I have been a fan of the older performance car (say around 7-10 years old), considering them to offer much better value for the performance they offer, ie you can get 80% of the performance of a new car for under 40% of the cost with higher maintenance costs but low depreciation. So I have a Z3M, it wasn't cheap but I thought it was quick and handled pretty well when I got it (and of course I love the look of it).
These preconceptions have been proved wrong, I can now see how things have moved on. The performance from the RS is truely explosive/violent. I had just looked at the performance figures for this car and wasn't that impressed but in real world driving this car is amazing. I recommend you try one!
If I didn't live in Manchester where I would get car jacked for it I'd have a Focus RS tomorrow!
Robb F said:
Mansell90 said:
mybrainhurts said:
Yes, but it's front wheel drive...
Dear lord, really? ANOTHER one of "THESE" threads.
[/quoteQuite probably... its more what these jokes turn into on these here parts I was referring to... Before we know it we will have 30 pages of "purist" "Driving gods" Saying that anyone who drives a Front wheel drive car must therefore be an inferior being to themselves... probably mostly in the 35-45 age bracket, probably living in "middle england," Probably called John, Steve or Clive, and are probably a "manager" of something or other.... Oh no, I think i may have just encouraged them out of their lurking spots now :P
Mansell90 said:
Quite probably... its more what these jokes turn into on these here parts I was referring to... Before we know it we will have 30 pages of "purist" "Driving gods" Saying that anyone who drives a Front wheel drive car must therefore be an inferior being to themselves...
That rant seems somewhat ironic given that I've only ever seen comments like that on PH from lovers of Fwd cars. It almost seems like an attempt at covering up some kind of insecurity or something. 
Edited by GravelBen on Monday 31st May 13:58
Been a passenger in one at the 'Ring for a couple of laps and I was slightly disappointed. OK, it's a road car and it does the road bit very well indeed. It's extremely fast and I still don't understand how on earth it can put all this torque on the front wheel, but it's comfortable and all around nice to deal with every day. But on the track, you could really see the limits VERY easily. Brakes were shot after a few kilometres, tires were really struggling and you could really feel the weight of the car.
My friend who owned this Focus RS said he seriously misses his old Civic Type R as it was feeling more lively and more track-focused (when original) even though it was not as fast.
My friend who owned this Focus RS said he seriously misses his old Civic Type R as it was feeling more lively and more track-focused (when original) even though it was not as fast.
Mansell90 said:
Robb F said:
Mansell90 said:
mybrainhurts said:
Yes, but it's front wheel drive...
Dear lord, really? ANOTHER one of "THESE" threads.I regret I have not been privy to "THESE" threads...
I am not a driving god, nor do I consider any driver inferior to myself, unless I witness evidence thereof. I am not in the 35-45 age bracket and I don't know what "middle England" signifies. I live Ooop North, if that helps. I am not called John, Steve or Clive and I am not a manager of something nor, indeed, other.
So, fear not, you have not just encouraged "them" out of "their" lurking spots.
For the avoidance of doubt, let me reword my post....
It's a great car by all accounts, that would have been better and more satisfying with rear wheel drive or four wheel drive.
I hope that passes scrutiny now, Mr Mansell90, sir....
If not...
Tough tit...
DjSki said:
Yes the Z3M is a "real" drivers car but the game has moved on, I suppose that I am amazed at how much. I love the Z3M and I love RWD but it is an old car with what is now distinctly "old" handling.
Old handling or old grip? And which would be more fun for a reasonably competent driver?!? (note: "fun", not "quicker")Modern performance cars have truly astonishing levels of grip, and the ultra-low profile tyres contribute to very responsive turn-in. Add-in big brakes and aggressive pads to make the car stop on a dime, and the now-de-rigeur turbo to give even more feeling of acceleration, and modern cars point-to-point WILL leave an older car behind.
But are they any more fun in the process? Or is the car doing all the work and the driver none?!?
...in onePuk said:
Been a passenger in one at the 'Ring for a couple of laps and I was slightly disappointed. OK, it's a road car and it does the road bit very well indeed. It's extremely fast and I still don't understand how on earth it can put all this torque on the front wheel, but it's comfortable and all around nice to deal with every day. But on the track, you could really see the limits VERY easily. Brakes were shot after a few kilometres, tires were really struggling and you could really feel the weight of the car.
I'd suggest that the pilot of the RS takes some tuition at the 'ring - it's a power circuit which is very light on the brakesif you are getting brake fade within a few kilometres (which isn't a full lap) you're doing something very wrong
I was impressed by a drive I had in one that belongs to a friend. It was in the dry, but being FWD didn't matter. The body control over a twisty B/C road was the most impressive I've felt in any car.
The looks are an acquired taste, but it really has more than enough power for a road car. It was a bit reluctant off boost, but I'm comparing it to my tuned R35. Other than that, couldn't fault it. Great noise too
The looks are an acquired taste, but it really has more than enough power for a road car. It was a bit reluctant off boost, but I'm comparing it to my tuned R35. Other than that, couldn't fault it. Great noise too
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