Focus RS or Mustang V8?
Discussion
Hats off to Ford, taking into account the Fiesta/Focus ST as well, they have to make some of the best "affordable" driver's cars out there at the moment and not a flappy paddle gearbox in sight!
I've read quite a few positive reviews of the new Focus RS now and I have to say that even though I've never really been much of a Ford guy and it doesn't quite have the presence of a Sierra/Escort Cosworth, if I had 30k for a new daily driver burning a hole in my pocket (sadly I don't), that is probably what I would buy but with the standard wheels, as I detest black alloys! For me, it is the most desirable hot hatch out there at the moment, half the price of an M3 and way better value than the Golf R, M135i, A45 AMG and RS3 and will probably hold its value better than any of them long-term too (apart from the RS3 possibly). I expect Mountune will be along shortly with a 400bhp upgrade too!
However, for not much more, you could also get a new V8 Mustang (in fact in North America, it's actually cheaper than the RS)! RWD, bespoke coupe body, manual gearbox, V8, automotive icon and not much competition this side of a 911. Whether it translates well to the UK though remains to be seen?
So, would you take the AWD turbo mega hatch or the V8 American icon?
I've read quite a few positive reviews of the new Focus RS now and I have to say that even though I've never really been much of a Ford guy and it doesn't quite have the presence of a Sierra/Escort Cosworth, if I had 30k for a new daily driver burning a hole in my pocket (sadly I don't), that is probably what I would buy but with the standard wheels, as I detest black alloys! For me, it is the most desirable hot hatch out there at the moment, half the price of an M3 and way better value than the Golf R, M135i, A45 AMG and RS3 and will probably hold its value better than any of them long-term too (apart from the RS3 possibly). I expect Mountune will be along shortly with a 400bhp upgrade too!
However, for not much more, you could also get a new V8 Mustang (in fact in North America, it's actually cheaper than the RS)! RWD, bespoke coupe body, manual gearbox, V8, automotive icon and not much competition this side of a 911. Whether it translates well to the UK though remains to be seen?
So, would you take the AWD turbo mega hatch or the V8 American icon?
A bright blue pumped up Focus doesnt have presence, ok not quite as lairy as the lime green Mk2 FRS but its not what you would call super low key really.
Tough one, would probably be the Mustang, the missus really wants one so that makes it easier .
Maybe when the kids are done at university.
Tough one, would probably be the Mustang, the missus really wants one so that makes it easier .
Maybe when the kids are done at university.
Would love to see them go head to head on track, I suspect the Focus would post the quicker time but the Mustang isn't that much heavier, has another 70 bhp and isnt exactly as disadvantaged on corners as people seem to believe, like the previous poster says, its not 1966.
In the dry, there might not be that much in it, the previous gen Mustang could mix it with E90 M3's on Track.
In the dry, there might not be that much in it, the previous gen Mustang could mix it with E90 M3's on Track.
Stig said:
Mustang - mine's due to arrive in March.
As for not 'getting' the car over here? Why on earth not? It's designed and build for 2016, not 1966!
As for not 'getting' the car over here? Why on earth not? It's designed and build for 2016, not 1966!
J4CKO said:
Would love to see them go head to head on track, I suspect the Focus would post the quicker time but the Mustang isn't that much heavier, has another 70 bhp and isnt exactly as disadvantaged on corners as people seem to believe, like the previous poster says, its not 1966.
In the dry, there might not be that much in it, the previous gen Mustang could mix it with E90 M3's on Track.
Nothing to do with handling, I'm sure they're great. It's a personal thing, I like European cars, designed for European driving environments, that's why I would prefer the FRSIn the dry, there might not be that much in it, the previous gen Mustang could mix it with E90 M3's on Track.
Also, I would get destroyed on tax with a Mustang here in Ireland, and I wouldn't particularly enjoy the attention they attract. Plus I find them too big
All personal opinion, and can understand why others love them. They just don't do it for me
I'm beginning to think "FRS" is deemed the wrong answer to this question
Edited by Leins on Wednesday 27th January 15:44
My twenty something years were spent driving Sierra and then Escort Cosworths. The Mk1 & 2 Focus RS were good, however I mourned the loss of RWD or AWD.
The new Focus is a return to form, and looks really good, even in the current more-door body style ..... The model specific colour makes a big difference, and thank god it's a nice hue, rather than the green of the previous car, or the orange of the ST.
I'd have one if I could afford one!!
Mustang looks a great car, however I can't help feeling that I'd enjoy driving the RS more (inner hooligan), and having also owned a number of M3 BMWs, would come to find the Mustang a poor approximation of what a sports coupe should be.
The new Focus is a return to form, and looks really good, even in the current more-door body style ..... The model specific colour makes a big difference, and thank god it's a nice hue, rather than the green of the previous car, or the orange of the ST.
I'd have one if I could afford one!!
Mustang looks a great car, however I can't help feeling that I'd enjoy driving the RS more (inner hooligan), and having also owned a number of M3 BMWs, would come to find the Mustang a poor approximation of what a sports coupe should be.
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