Ford Racing Puma or Focus RS Mk1 - which would you choose?
Discussion
As the title suggests, if you had the choice between a Ford Racing Puma or Focus RS Mk1 - which would you choose?
Assuming both are fine for practicality and affordable, and you are using it for 99% road use, to have fun on B roads and do the occasional PH run, and then a very occasional track day or trip to the Ring?
What would be the pros and cons of each?
Interested to hear from current / previous owners of either, especially those able to make an evidenced comparison of the two.
Assuming both are fine for practicality and affordable, and you are using it for 99% road use, to have fun on B roads and do the occasional PH run, and then a very occasional track day or trip to the Ring?
What would be the pros and cons of each?
Interested to hear from current / previous owners of either, especially those able to make an evidenced comparison of the two.
FRP isn't very tuneable, so you'll be with circa 155bhp. Puma can be hard work on the motorway, but you will get plenty of attention from the car. If you can keep it on the boil through the twisties, they are epic fun - especially if the brakes are in good condition, and it has the LSD. Parts can be tricky.
FRS is easy to get more from - should you wish. Capable car, and from all the ones I've driven they do vary. Drive many and form your own opinion. Torque steer isn't as bad as people say, but it is there.
Not sure FRP values will climb, whereas RS badges tend to remain desireable longer term.
FRS is easy to get more from - should you wish. Capable car, and from all the ones I've driven they do vary. Drive many and form your own opinion. Torque steer isn't as bad as people say, but it is there.
Not sure FRP values will climb, whereas RS badges tend to remain desireable longer term.
Focus RS for me, I think they are a great car, if you can get over the rather nasty blue interior. The FRP is a great car too, but seeing how other Pumas of the era rust, I'd be wary. I know the rust is not meant to be such an issue on the FRPs, but it would worry me, no doubt about that.
I'd want the RS to be as NA feeling as possible though, so I'd keep away from big power remaps and such. Keeping the throttle response sharp would be best for the car I think, rather than trying to improve it's drag racing capability.
I'd want the RS to be as NA feeling as possible though, so I'd keep away from big power remaps and such. Keeping the throttle response sharp would be best for the car I think, rather than trying to improve it's drag racing capability.
I have owned both.
If it was a straight choice for a lot of B road use then I'd take the FRP - this and my Westfield were the only cars that I used to get up early with on a Sunday for a blast across the A272
No, its not powerful but its massive fun on B roads and track days and feels more bespoke than the FRS, probably because it is
Seriously tempted by another FRP (already had two of them) as they are never going to be cheaper than they are currently
If it was a straight choice for a lot of B road use then I'd take the FRP - this and my Westfield were the only cars that I used to get up early with on a Sunday for a blast across the A272
No, its not powerful but its massive fun on B roads and track days and feels more bespoke than the FRS, probably because it is
Seriously tempted by another FRP (already had two of them) as they are never going to be cheaper than they are currently
t looking rear. Difficult one this both great cars imo, but i think i would go focus RS, i always thought the racing puma was miles too expensive when new for what it actually was & the performance it offered, but its not stopped me having a soft spot for it.
I love performance fords loads, great fun cars.
I love performance fords loads, great fun cars.
I thought everyone would automatically go for the RS. In my (uneducated) eyes the RS and FRP are worlds apart. Apparently not though! Shows that power doesn't equal a better car.
I should point out, I've never been in, let alone driven either of the cars.
I should point out, I've never been in, let alone driven either of the cars.
Edited by offspring86 on Friday 20th April 17:57
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