mk7 Fiesta ST vs. mk3 Focus ST

[white_goodman]

I'm a big fan of these two hot hatches. They might not be the fastest in their class or the fastest around the Nurburgring but I get a sense that they have been created by enthusiasts for enthusiasts and I like that they're manual transmission only. The Fiesta would definitely be my small hot hatch choice and I guess that I might consider a Golf GTI over the Focus but the Focus has more standard power and arguably offers better value. Incidentally, a good friend used to have the mk2 Focus ST with the 5-pot and that easily won out over the Golf for me, purely for the extra charisma, although I would concede that the mk3 ST does have a nicer interior.

So, with both the mk7 Fiesta ST and mk3 Focus ST being replaced imminently and used prices from around 8k for the Fiesta and 13k for the facelifted Focus (you can get a pre-facelift for a bit less but I don't really like the styling) and assuming that fun is more important than practicality, which would you rather run as a daily?

I've driven cooking versions of both cars but not the ST models. I expect that the Fiesta would be more economical, in my opinion looks slightly better and is possibly more fun?

The Focus is more practical, more refined and sophisticated (multi-link rear suspension), maybe a better ride and quicker too but maybe a little unruly under power, more expensive to run and not quite as fun as the Fiesta. Obviously, if it was the main (family) car then it would be the Focus but we already have the practical car covered.

So, in terms of pure entertainment and fun in a fairly practical and affordable to run and buy package, would you go for the cheaper Fiesta ST or is the Focus worth the extra?

[197.]

Fiesta ST

[dieseluser07]

Not driven the focus but if you want enjoyment its usually the smaller lighter version, i.e. fiesta, and the handling on the fiesta is insane (i have one)

[Mike1990]

The Fiesta ST for outright fun.

[Ahbefive]

The Fiesta for fun but the Focus as a allround better, more grown up everyday car.

[ScoobyChris]

Ahbefive said:

The Fiesta for fun but the Focus as a allround better, more grown up everyday car.

Was in the same position a couple of years ago and picked the Focus. While it’s not an out and out hooligan like the Fiesta, it still responds well to a thrashing and also soaks up the daily duties much better with a slightly suppler ride and more refined interior.

Mpg average for the year I had mine was around 25mpg but it was rarely driven economically

Chris

[cerb4.5lee]

Tough choice and I like both a lot. I think the Focus just pips it for me even though its heavier and a little more sensible.

[Jdjd1]

The fiesta ST is probably the most stolen car at the moment,
They simply break the window plug in a laptop and key a brand new key through the OBD port, then drive off.

This takes minutes

Security is seriously compromised and for that reason alone I would avoid

[white_goodman]

Jdjd1 said:

The fiesta ST is probably the most stolen car at the moment,
They simply break the window plug in a laptop and key a brand new key through the OBD port, then drive off.

This takes minutes

Security is seriously compromised and for that reason alone I would avoid

Interesting. So does the Focus ST have better security or just not as attractive to the TWOCCers?

[blade7]

Jdjd1 said:

The fiesta ST is probably the most stolen car at the moment,
They simply break the window plug in a laptop and key a brand new key through the OBD port, then drive off.

This takes minutes

Security is seriously compromised and for that reason alone I would avoid

There's a couple of simple solutions for the OBD issue.

[mnaylor]

Been in both. Fiesta returning 45 mpg, Focus 23 mpg. If economy is at all important go Fiesta. Both good cars though. Fiesta is more chuckable, Focus better in a straight line.

[neiljohnson]

I’ve got one of each the focus (pre facelift) is more comfortable & refined goes & handles very well averages 26mpg
The fiesta is my wife’s car it’s terrific fun to drive well equipped for a small car & returns 38mpg

I think if the size isn’t an issue the fiesta is probably all the car you could ever need but if your doing regular long journeys the focus would be a better choice.

If it’s your thing they are also both easily tuned. my focus is currently just over 300bhp & the fiesta 240bhp both handle the extra bhp well & imho are better for it

[white_goodman]

neiljohnson said:

I’ve got one of each the focus (pre facelift) is more comfortable & refined goes & handles very well averages 26mpg
The fiesta is my wife’s car it’s terrific fun to drive well equipped for a small car & returns 38mpg

I think if the size isn’t an issue the fiesta is probably all the car you could ever need but if your doing regular long journeys the focus would be a better choice.

If it’s your thing they are also both easily tuned. my focus is currently just over 300bhp & the fiesta 240bhp both handle the extra bhp well & imho are better for it

Thanks for that. I think that I'm leaning towards the Fiesta for my useage and the superior fuel economy is a definite bonus. Probably worth trying both though.

[culpz]

Fiesta ST for me, unless you really need the extra space and practicality. I found the Fiesta a riot to drive and i generally prefer smaller cars anyway. I know a few people that went from the Fiesta to the Focus and then back to the Fiesta again, as they missed the fun-factor and being able to throw it around.

[Ahbefive]

Jdjd1 said:

The fiesta ST is probably the most stolen car at the moment,
They simply break the window plug in a laptop and key a brand new key through the OBD port, then drive off.

This takes minutes

Security is seriously compromised and for that reason alone I would avoid

Would you avoid all modern cars then as this is not a problem unique to Ford?

BMWs, VAGs etc are all targeted just as much and are all just as vulnerable as are other brands.

[Jdjd1]

Ahbefive said:

Jdjd1 said:

The fiesta ST is probably the most stolen car at the moment,
They simply break the window plug in a laptop and key a brand new key through the OBD port, then drive off.

This takes minutes

Security is seriously compromised and for that reason alone I would avoid

Would you avoid all modern cars then as this is not a problem unique to Ford?

BMWs, VAGs etc are all targeted just as much and are all just as vulnerable as are other brands.

There is a difference those are stolen via a key relay

The Ford they just programme a new key,

Big difference

[Ahbefive]

You need to have a read up. Like I said, not a problem unique to Ford.

[jimmyt1202]

I actually had one after the other. Went from a 2014 Mountune Fiesta ST to a 2014 Focus ST. Both were great cars but if I was to have one of them again it would be the fiesta in a heartbeat. It felt nippier, was much better all round to drive, better on fuel and in my opinion looked better. Don’t get me wrong the Focus was a good car but it felt very bland in comparison and was nowhere near as fun. I’m pretty sure the 0-60 times are pretty much the same as well?

[john_e]

I’m in the process of selling my Mountuned Fiesta ST and I’ll be gutted when it goes. It easily returns 38mpg and we’ve managed fine transporting a 9 & 6 year old around in it. The only car I’ve owned that was more fun to drive was my Racing Puma but that was massively impractical and an utter money pit.

[MartyG1987]

Fiesta ST, I've had mine for about 7 months now and really love driving it, All of my friends who have had a go love it too