FR-S vs 2012 Ford Focus ST - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

lunchbox · 12-01-2011, 12:44 PM

Hey everyone just wondering what you think about this. I'm stuck between them both for right now. 250hp turbo is comporting. I like the technology the focus has... here are some specs

The beating heart of the Focus ST is a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. Ford's new torque-vectoring power control system is on hand, which should keep the front wheels in line, as front-wheel-drive turbo cars are always prone to understeer and torque steer.

Auto Blog Ford Focus ST

Anyone got some input? THANKS!

SUB-FT86 · 12-01-2011, 01:43 PM

It will be faster in a straight line and a better daily driver I bet but the handling feel of the FRS will be better I suppose.

lunchbox · 12-01-2011, 01:48 PM

Yea that's a good point. Thanks for not coming in here and spamming OMFG FR-S FTW ST SUXXXXXX N00bFACE!

Yea untilmately i'm interested to see if the torque vectoring stuff actually works. Could make it much more fun to drive... Oh it also has LED headlights... haha

spoolin · 12-01-2011, 02:03 PM

really its going to be what your preference is rwd or fwd and na vs turbo because i think they will make the focus to do pretty well in the corners but i much prefer a 2 door well balanced na rwd coupe over a 4 door fwd turbo hatchback but i still think the focus will be a great car it just really all comes down to preference. do we know how much the focus will weigh?

mokinbird87 · 12-01-2011, 02:05 PM

i think it's down to what you prefer... old school feel vs new technology. personally i prefer doing everything myself, hence the reason why i adore the mx-5 and have been waiting patiently for the fr-s (mind you i am 6"1' and do not fit in the mazda all that comfortably). i could careless about being fast in straight line as there will be faster cars (i`d buy a used vette and call it a day on that one). if it's lap times you are after, i dont think the fr-s is for you, but if you want to smile all the way through the experience, then it definitely is.

but then again, i have not driven both cars so i cannot say for sure. car reviews are so biased you never know the truth till you drive them yourself (unless you are watching chris harris anyways).

SUB-FT86 · 12-01-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mokinbird87

i think it's down to what you prefer... old school feel vs new technology. personally i prefer doing everything myself, hence the reason why i adore the mx-5 and have been waiting patiently for the fr-s (mind you i am 6"1' and do not fit in the mazda all that comfortably). i could careless about being fast in straight line as there will be faster cars (i`d buy a used vette and call it a day on that one). if it's lap times you are after, i dont think the fr-s is for you, but if you want to smile all the way through the experience, then it definitely is.

but then again, i have not driven both cars so i cannot say for sure. car reviews are so biased you never know the truth till you drive them yourself (unless you are watching chris harris anyways).

This is the only part of your post that I like.

ryude · 12-01-2011, 03:00 PM

I had a turbocharged FWD car before, it's stupid. Spin/wheelhop first and second gear, it's just not fun unless you spend loooots of money. At that point, why didn't you just start with RWD in the first place?

Allch Chcar · 12-01-2011, 04:50 PM

The Focus ST is everything that the 86/BRZ isn't. Heavier, unbalanced, loaded with technology. Even offering enough extra power to offset the excess weight. The new hatchback is 3000lbs so the ST is at least that. It's also more practical, the Focus is a good 7-8 inches taller and has a fairly spacious interior for a compact.

The Mazda cousins are known for being more driver focused. But I like the Ford versions better. I was watching/waiting for the Ford Focus ecoboost but they went with ST versions instead and the premium Fords use their dual clutch 6spd automatic leaving the 5spd manual for the base and lower spec.

I haven't driven either one at all, yet. But the Focus is more of a corner carver than anything else available from Ford.

lunchbox · 12-01-2011, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allch Chcar

The Focus ST is everything that the 86/BRZ isn't. Heavier, unbalanced, loaded with technology. Even offering enough extra power to offset the excess weight. The new hatchback is 3000lbs so the ST is at least that. It's also more practical, the Focus is a good 7-8 inches taller and has a fairly spacious interior for a compact.

The Mazda cousins are known for being more driver focused. But I like the Ford versions better. I was watching/waiting for the Ford Focus ecoboost but they went with ST versions instead and the premium Fords use their dual clutch 6spd automatic leaving the 5spd manual for the base and lower spec.

I haven't driven either one at all, yet. But the Focus is more of a corner carver than anything else available from Ford.

They are using a 6spd manual in the ST. Makes it a bit more fun imo.

I just want them both to come out so I can drive it. That should make the decision.

mines13 · 12-01-2011, 05:36 PM

I really like the ST, I sat in the blue one at the LA Autoshow. It should be a great car if you need the space.

BootpTraphik · 12-01-2011, 05:46 PM

That dark blue they are using for the new Focus is awesome, I drool every time I drive by it at the dealership.

Is it the same "torque vectoring" found in the Focus RS? If it is, then I'm sure it works awesome! Wish I had a Focus RS...

Both these cars have the ability to corner well. If the Focus 5 door is ~3000lbs thats not so bad. Expect more body roll and understeer with the Focus compared to the 86 though. I would bet the Focus pulls out of corners better than the 86 in return. I think Ford has almost perfected that platform as a FWD hot hatch. The Focus platform has always been a good handler. Interesting comparo for sure!

Dark · 12-01-2011, 06:36 PM

Good car indeed. Focus RS is one of the best looking hatchbacks in the market. It also loads with power and tech. I like it, but I will never consider buying one.

Caliban · 12-01-2011, 07:28 PM

comparing apples to oranges.. totally different platform/layout. I will take the RWD car over FWD any day.

pastuch · 12-01-2011, 07:56 PM

The Focus ST looks really nice, I'm certainly impressed by it but I would have a tough time buying one over a Mustang V6 Base. With very little money you can make the stang awesome, the obvious disadvantage being how common they are. I agree with the above posters, if you love RWD then buying a nose heavy car like the Focus is a tough pill to swallow. I did it with a Tiburon and I sold it quickly.

12-01-2011, 12:44 PM	#1
lunchbox Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Drives: Scion tC Location: Killeen Posts: 22 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	FR-S vs 2012 Ford Focus ST Hey everyone just wondering what you think about this. I'm stuck between them both for right now. 250hp turbo is comporting. I like the technology the focus has... here are some specs The beating heart of the Focus ST is a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. Ford's new torque-vectoring power control system is on hand, which should keep the front wheels in line, as front-wheel-drive turbo cars are always prone to understeer and torque steer. Auto Blog Ford Focus ST Anyone got some input? THANKS!

12-01-2011, 05:46 PM	#11
BootpTraphik loading in progress Join Date: Apr 2010 Drives: Genesis Coupe 3.8 M/T Location: Southern Ontario, Lake Erie Posts: 81 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	That dark blue they are using for the new Focus is awesome, I drool every time I drive by it at the dealership. Is it the same "torque vectoring" found in the Focus RS? If it is, then I'm sure it works awesome! Wish I had a Focus RS... Both these cars have the ability to corner well. If the Focus 5 door is ~3000lbs thats not so bad. Expect more body roll and understeer with the Focus compared to the 86 though. I would bet the Focus pulls out of corners better than the 86 in return. I think Ford has almost perfected that platform as a FWD hot hatch. The Focus platform has always been a good handler. Interesting comparo for sure! __________________ BootpTraphik Resident GenCoupe lurker and FT-86 fan

12-01-2011, 06:36 PM	#12
Dark Elite Padawan Join Date: Mar 2010 Drives: '15 WRX, 15 GLA250, and 2 feet Location: Shoreline, WA Posts: 3,498 Thanks: 197 Thanked 250 Times in 159 Posts Mentioned: 8 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Good car indeed. Focus RS is one of the best looking hatchbacks in the market. It also loads with power and tech. I like it, but I will never consider buying one. __________________ Dark

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12-01-2011, 01:43 PM	#2
SUB-FT86 86 Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Drives: 2013 Toyota 86 2.0T (Asphalt) Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 3,129 Thanks: 126 Thanked 527 Times in 296 Posts Mentioned: 2 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s)	It will be faster in a straight line and a better daily driver I bet but the handling feel of the FRS will be better I suppose.

12-01-2011, 01:48 PM	#3
lunchbox Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Drives: Scion tC Location: Killeen Posts: 22 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Yea that's a good point. Thanks for not coming in here and spamming OMFG FR-S FTW ST SUXXXXXX N00bFACE! Yea untilmately i'm interested to see if the torque vectoring stuff actually works. Could make it much more fun to drive... Oh it also has LED headlights... haha

12-01-2011, 02:03 PM	#4
spoolin Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Drives: Nissan 300zx twin turbo Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	really its going to be what your preference is rwd or fwd and na vs turbo because i think they will make the focus to do pretty well in the corners but i much prefer a 2 door well balanced na rwd coupe over a 4 door fwd turbo hatchback but i still think the focus will be a great car it just really all comes down to preference. do we know how much the focus will weigh?

12-01-2011, 02:05 PM	#5
mokinbird87 BOXER FR Join Date: Oct 2011 Drives: WRB BRZ Limited Location: irvine, ca Posts: 752 Thanks: 393 Thanked 335 Times in 171 Posts Mentioned: 10 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	i think it's down to what you prefer... old school feel vs new technology. personally i prefer doing everything myself, hence the reason why i adore the mx-5 and have been waiting patiently for the fr-s (mind you i am 6"1' and do not fit in the mazda all that comfortably). i could careless about being fast in straight line as there will be faster cars (i`d buy a used vette and call it a day on that one). if it's lap times you are after, i dont think the fr-s is for you, but if you want to smile all the way through the experience, then it definitely is. but then again, i have not driven both cars so i cannot say for sure. car reviews are so biased you never know the truth till you drive them yourself (unless you are watching chris harris anyways).

12-01-2011, 03:00 PM	#7
ryude Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Drives: Volkswagen GTI Location: Louisiana Posts: 466 Thanks: 6 Thanked 32 Times in 13 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I had a turbocharged FWD car before, it's stupid. Spin/wheelhop first and second gear, it's just not fun unless you spend loooots of money. At that point, why didn't you just start with RWD in the first place?

12-01-2011, 05:36 PM	#10
mines13 Join Date: Nov 2011 Drives: '13 FR-S '12 CBR1000RR Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 1,038 Thanks: 305 Thanked 527 Times in 241 Posts Mentioned: 22 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I really like the ST, I sat in the blue one at the LA Autoshow. It should be a great car if you need the space.

12-01-2011, 07:28 PM	#13
Caliban Terrorist of Chat Rooms Join Date: Aug 2011 Drives: 05 E46M3, 06 CT9ARS, FR-S? Location: Oakland Smokin' Posts: 205 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	comparing apples to oranges.. totally different platform/layout. I will take the RWD car over FWD any day.

12-01-2011, 07:56 PM	#14
pastuch Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Drives: 2013 BRZ Location: Ottawa Ontario Posts: 478 Thanks: 15 Thanked 36 Times in 25 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	The Focus ST looks really nice, I'm certainly impressed by it but I would have a tough time buying one over a Mustang V6 Base. With very little money you can make the stang awesome, the obvious disadvantage being how common they are. I agree with the above posters, if you love RWD then buying a nose heavy car like the Focus is a tough pill to swallow. I did it with a Tiburon and I sold it quickly.

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