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!

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.

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

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.