Focus ST vs. Golf GTI. Which one should I go for?
Discussion
Thinking about one of these as the next family wagon/commuter but not sure which one to go for. The kids are a bit older now (5 and 3), so we don't necessarily need the space of our MPV any more for all their paraphernalia etc, just a decent-sized boot.
I've always been a fan of the Golf GTI since the mk5. Such a great all-rounder (I have yet to drive the mk6 or mk7) but I wouldn't expect them to be any different. However, a friend owned a mk2 Focus ST back in the day (2009, 3 door, orange with black wheels) and I was rather charmed by the lairy looks and characterful 5-pot motor and I've yet to own a fast Ford. If I remember rightly, the boot was a decent size and it's just a fairly inexpensive Mountune upgrade away from being as quick as an RS, although I remember him saying it was pretty thirsty.
So, do I go for a late mk2 facelift 5 door Focus ST (2010ish, probably in orange with black wheels) or a mk6 GTI (5 door, manual, tartan seats, red/white) for around 10k
OR
spend a bit more (say 15k) on a mk3 Focus ST/mk7 Golf GTI. I've driven a new diesel Focus recently and was fairly impressed but I have yet to drive the ST. I would want the 2015- facelift for the sharper looks and interior and might even consider the estate version for the extra load space.
So, is the Golf GTI still the one to go for in each case or is the Focus better/more exciting? Also, are the newer models worth the extra money?
I know there are other options that potentially fulfill my criteria (Leon Cupra, Octavia vRS, M135i etc) but the Golf and Focus are the ones that really appeal. I'm sure that I would enjoy the M135i but in my experience, the rear seat space (bearing in mind the kids are still in child seats) and the boot space even on the 5 door is a little tight.
I've always been a fan of the Golf GTI since the mk5. Such a great all-rounder (I have yet to drive the mk6 or mk7) but I wouldn't expect them to be any different. However, a friend owned a mk2 Focus ST back in the day (2009, 3 door, orange with black wheels) and I was rather charmed by the lairy looks and characterful 5-pot motor and I've yet to own a fast Ford. If I remember rightly, the boot was a decent size and it's just a fairly inexpensive Mountune upgrade away from being as quick as an RS, although I remember him saying it was pretty thirsty.
So, do I go for a late mk2 facelift 5 door Focus ST (2010ish, probably in orange with black wheels) or a mk6 GTI (5 door, manual, tartan seats, red/white) for around 10k
OR
spend a bit more (say 15k) on a mk3 Focus ST/mk7 Golf GTI. I've driven a new diesel Focus recently and was fairly impressed but I have yet to drive the ST. I would want the 2015- facelift for the sharper looks and interior and might even consider the estate version for the extra load space.
So, is the Golf GTI still the one to go for in each case or is the Focus better/more exciting? Also, are the newer models worth the extra money?
I know there are other options that potentially fulfill my criteria (Leon Cupra, Octavia vRS, M135i etc) but the Golf and Focus are the ones that really appeal. I'm sure that I would enjoy the M135i but in my experience, the rear seat space (bearing in mind the kids are still in child seats) and the boot space even on the 5 door is a little tight.
Having owned a mk7 Golf R, Audi A3 2.0TFSI and currently a mk2 Focus ST I much prefer the ST engine. Bear in mind the ST3 (with leather) is a 4 seater if that matters. The GTI is probably the best on fuel but they are all pretty poor in this regard The Golf R and A3 managed about 25mpg the ST 23 or so.
The mk2 ST is a bit softer and rides better but still feels good around the bends, it may not feel overtly sporty enough in this regard for some though. However, the sound of the engine under hard acceleration so trumps the four pot VAG engine IMHO.
Interior wise the VAG models are superior but I still like the ST as it is more different than the standard Focuses. The Focus has a bigger boot too.
The mk2 ST is a bit softer and rides better but still feels good around the bends, it may not feel overtly sporty enough in this regard for some though. However, the sound of the engine under hard acceleration so trumps the four pot VAG engine IMHO.
Interior wise the VAG models are superior but I still like the ST as it is more different than the standard Focuses. The Focus has a bigger boot too.
Your annual road tax budget might be a consideration too as the golf is 2.0 whereas the 5 pot ST is a 2.5 - not sure the price difference but I would check first.
I think the Golf would depreciate less too.
Would say the Golf is less lairy that the Focus, a bit more class about it. On the driveway if you looked at both people would look at the Ford and say boy racer. Dont think they would prejudge the Golf in the same way and I like that it melts into the background.
I think the Golf would depreciate less too.
Would say the Golf is less lairy that the Focus, a bit more class about it. On the driveway if you looked at both people would look at the Ford and say boy racer. Dont think they would prejudge the Golf in the same way and I like that it melts into the background.
Rawwr said:
You should test drive both and then buy the one you like the most.
This. My wife is (was) a badge snob and was convinced she wanted a Golf. After driving the GTI + ST Mk2 she chose the Ford instantly due to "making me smile more"We replaced it recently with the latest ST and although a more rounded car doesn't make her smile as much apparently
I wouldn't buy a mk2 ST. Very dated in terms of looks and economy (if such things matter to you), plus the interior is absolutely awful.
In terms of Mk 7 Golf GTI v's Mk 3 Facelift Focus ST, the Golf is superior in terms of 'quality', it just does everything without fuss. But, I personally think it's dull as dishwater. It's a fantastically engineered car, has all sorts of features as standard that the ST doesn't even have on the options list. But, it leaves me cold.
With the ST, I think the exterior looks and Recaro seats give it a real presence. Sod the wolf in sheeps clothing styling of a GTI, the ST has a more purposeful look. It's also worth considering budget. The Golf is at least 20% more expensive, like for like (admittedly this will be somewhat offset by the depreciation curves). Golf has the bigger boot, although cabin space is pretty much identical between the two.
If you want refinement and all the latest features of modern driving convenience, get the Golf. If you just want the performance, looks to match and don't want to spend as much, get the ST.
In terms of Mk 7 Golf GTI v's Mk 3 Facelift Focus ST, the Golf is superior in terms of 'quality', it just does everything without fuss. But, I personally think it's dull as dishwater. It's a fantastically engineered car, has all sorts of features as standard that the ST doesn't even have on the options list. But, it leaves me cold.
With the ST, I think the exterior looks and Recaro seats give it a real presence. Sod the wolf in sheeps clothing styling of a GTI, the ST has a more purposeful look. It's also worth considering budget. The Golf is at least 20% more expensive, like for like (admittedly this will be somewhat offset by the depreciation curves). Golf has the bigger boot, although cabin space is pretty much identical between the two.
If you want refinement and all the latest features of modern driving convenience, get the Golf. If you just want the performance, looks to match and don't want to spend as much, get the ST.
IanCress said:
andrewparker said:
Are you saying it doesn't?
Yes, pretty much. The OP is choosing between two hot hatches, not buying a limousine.I loved my MK2 Focus ST it was a great car especially in ST-3 form & then that engine just edged it over the Golf, for me the Golf was okay but didn't excite in the way the ST did as for the plastics yes they're not as good as the Golf but it wasn't that big of a difference.
The only thing that needs sorting on the ST is that the intercooler is too small so even if you're leaving it standard it makes a significant difference.
Here's a thread for someone who's recently bought a MK2 Focus:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The only thing that needs sorting on the ST is that the intercooler is too small so even if you're leaving it standard it makes a significant difference.
Here's a thread for someone who's recently bought a MK2 Focus:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
DoubleD said:
I cant really comment on the Ford, but I would go for excitement over soft plastics.
Well me and you are in a minority. Apparently the quality of the plastics is vital in your hot hatch, and the handling and performance is barely worth a mention.The MK2 Focus is a solidly built reliable car, the fact that it doesn't have as many soft touch plastics as the Golf really isn't important.
IanCress said:
DoubleD said:
I cant really comment on the Ford, but I would go for excitement over soft plastics.
Well me and you are in a minority. Apparently the quality of the plastics is vital in your hot hatch, and the handling and performance is barely worth a mention.The MK2 Focus is a solidly built reliable car, the fact that it doesn't have as many soft touch plastics as the Golf really isn't important.
IanCress said:
ell me and you are in a minority. Apparently the quality of the plastics is vital in your hot hatch, and the handling and performance is barely worth a mention.
The MK2 Focus is a solidly built reliable car, the fact that it doesn't have as many soft touch plastics as the Golf really isn't important.
Oh how i love the hypocrisy on this site...The MK2 Focus is a solidly built reliable car, the fact that it doesn't have as many soft touch plastics as the Golf really isn't important.
So, in the last threat about the new 2.0 F-Type, you conceded that not everyone wants a huge petrol engine in a sporty car. However, you cannot understand that someone would prefer a nicer interior in their daily hot-hatch.
Classic PH.
culpz said:
Oh how i love the hypocrisy on this site...
So, in the last threat about the new 2.0 F-Type, you conceded that not everyone wants a huge petrol engine in a sporty car. However, you cannot understand that someone would prefer a nicer interior in their daily hot-hatch.
Classic PH.
Not sure how the two things are linked?So, in the last threat about the new 2.0 F-Type, you conceded that not everyone wants a huge petrol engine in a sporty car. However, you cannot understand that someone would prefer a nicer interior in their daily hot-hatch.
Classic PH.
I can totally understand how someone would prefer a nicer interior, but at £10k you have to make a compromise somewhere and if you're buying a hot hatch then surely you're buying it for the performance and dynamics. OP could instead spend his / her money on a lower spec slower Audi with a nicer interior than either of them. It was just a bit odd that a number of people were classing interior quality as the primary discussion point of the hot hatch!
IanCress said:
Not sure how the two things are linked?
I can totally understand how someone would prefer a nicer interior, but at £10k you have to make a compromise somewhere and if you're buying a hot hatch then surely you're buying it for the performance and dynamics. OP could instead spend his / her money on a lower spec slower Audi with a nicer interior than either of them. It was just a bit odd that a number of people were classing interior quality as the primary discussion point of the hot hatch!
It's absolutely linked because it comes right around to the same statement that everyone's wants, needs and requirements in a car are different. You conceded that a smaller engine in the F-Type is desirable but you cannot see that someone might want a bit of a nicer interior in their choice of hot-hatch. That is hypocrisy at it's finest.I can totally understand how someone would prefer a nicer interior, but at £10k you have to make a compromise somewhere and if you're buying a hot hatch then surely you're buying it for the performance and dynamics. OP could instead spend his / her money on a lower spec slower Audi with a nicer interior than either of them. It was just a bit odd that a number of people were classing interior quality as the primary discussion point of the hot hatch!
Your idea of a hot-hatch and what you want out of it is different to other people's. Maybe OP doesn't want those things and just wants a fast, practical hot-hatch with a posher interior. Nowt wrong with the Focus, but it can't be denied that the Golf has a more plush feel to it. When you're spending alot of time in the car, it can make it a much nicer place to spend time in when not hooning around.
I was in the same boat, except I had the Leon Cupra and Megane RS on my list as well. I wanted a hot hatch with character and after driving all options, nothing had character like the 5 pot ST. So I bought this:-
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I came from a 2012 Mondeo Ecoboost 240 (the new Focus ST engine) and the Focus ST for me is not built as well, the lower plastics are cheap, the doors don't shut with the same thud and the equipment level is massively down. Even the voice control for phone is poor compared to the Mondeo's. Odd as there's only 2 years difference but I can't just tell the car to call xyz, you have to program it all first and store each name individually, massive ballache. However, all that is forgotton when you get a burble, pop and bang from the 5 pot, really is a superb engine.
I will warn you though, there are a lot of dogs on the market. I viewed a fair few ST's before settling on the one I bought. Be prepared to spend a long time looking.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I came from a 2012 Mondeo Ecoboost 240 (the new Focus ST engine) and the Focus ST for me is not built as well, the lower plastics are cheap, the doors don't shut with the same thud and the equipment level is massively down. Even the voice control for phone is poor compared to the Mondeo's. Odd as there's only 2 years difference but I can't just tell the car to call xyz, you have to program it all first and store each name individually, massive ballache. However, all that is forgotton when you get a burble, pop and bang from the 5 pot, really is a superb engine.
I will warn you though, there are a lot of dogs on the market. I viewed a fair few ST's before settling on the one I bought. Be prepared to spend a long time looking.
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