I'm shopping these two cars right now. Edmunds Inside Line has both cars and different Editors are proclaiming their true love for each, saying they could be monogamous with either one.
I owned the previous gen Focus SVT and just loved the thing. At the time I had more garage space and could keep a 10th AE Miata, 94 MR2 Turbo and other toys inside. Now I'm down to one parking spot, so choose I must.
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In the course of evaluating a car, it's often necessary to place myself in someone else's shoes. Thoughtfully consider what needs and desires they have, then determine if that particular vehicle meets them. If I didn't, every minivan review I've ever written would go something like "This thing is pointlessly humungous, ugly, handles like crap and makes me want cry at the thought of my declining youth."
There are other times, though, when I can very much wear my own size 12's. The Ford Focus ST represents one of those times. I love small, torque-rich, sharp-steering, sufficiently damped cars with firm, tight seats that adjust to accommodate my height. I want a manual transmission that's easy to use and near-luxury cabin materials. I expect a certain degree of comfort and quiet for a long road trip. I'd like to order it with a unique color or trim choice, be it inside or out.
That's a lot to ask and at this point, our new Focus is checking every box.
I've liked a lot of our long termers over the years, but I'd only consider actually buying a handful. This could easily be one of them.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...ford-focus-st/
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The FT-86 is a purpose built car. The Focus is a platform for a SUV, a Sedan, a Hatch and a Van; which has been very well tuned. FWIW at our local car gatherings the BRZ / FT-86 draw a crowd. No one other than me even glanced at the Focus, despite the screaming yellow paint. Also, the BRz / FT-86 are arguably more conservatively styled. With a set of wheels the FT-86 really pops.