FR-S vs 2012 Ford Focus ST

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Grishbok

I am late to the party...

Ford's "Torque Vectoring" is merely the computer taking over control of the limited slip differential in order to transfer torque equally across both axels.

This has been done in racing for decades using a left foot brake technique, while applying very light brake pressure exiting the turn, you manipulate the lsd into splitting the torque evenly to both wheels, enabling you to be on the power sooner, and not overpower your outter wheel.

i understand how left foot braking can be used to brake bias and stabilize cars in sweepers but i dont understand how it can shift power any different than a mechanical diff is already doing

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by justaquestion

As far as racing is concerned, I think RWD vs FWD is a pretty moot argument at this level. I don't know how many people here take their cars to the track, but their are a lot of FWD cars out there that are set up properly and can eat most of the RWD cars out their that are on the same level.

Sure professional racing is a different story, but I am strictly talking about hobbyists. We have a guy at my local track (NJMP) who runs an EK Civic coupe, I think he has about 230whp and the guys in the M3's, S2000s, etc... cant keep up with him. Obviously it has a lot to do with driver skill, but all I am saying is that at this level (GC, BRZ, GTI, Focus ST, etc) its really anyone's game out there.

That has a lot to do with weight to power ratio as well.

[Spaceywilly]

Originally Posted by fatoni

i understand how left foot braking can be used to brake bias and stabilize cars in sweepers but i dont understand how it can shift power any different than a mechanical diff is already doing

It gives the wheel with grip something to push against, transferring more torque to that wheel. The extreme example is a car with an open diff with one wheel on ice. If the brake is not applied, the wheel on ice will just spin and the car won't move (100% of torque going to that wheel). If the brake is applied slightly (not too hard or it will prevent the wheel with grip from moving) the wheel with grip can push against the braking force being applied to the ice wheel and the car will move. An e diff like the ST has uses the same principle. It brakes the wheel that is slipping to shift torque to the other side.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Spaceywilly

It gives the wheel with grip something to push against, transferring more torque to that wheel. The extreme example is a car with an open diff with one wheel on ice. If the brake is not applied, the wheel on ice will just spin and the car won't move (100% of torque going to that wheel). If the brake is applied slightly (not too hard or it will prevent the wheel with grip from moving) the wheel with grip can push against the braking force being applied to the ice wheel and the car will move. An e diff like the ST has uses the same principle. It brakes the wheel that is slipping to shift torque to the other side.

i always thought that those e diffs worked asymmetrically otherwise i dont know how it would be any different than a 2way. then again i dont know much about this jazz

[ngabdala]

I drove a 2013 Focus ST. It was very nice. It's my second choice for a car. I ripped that car around and could get the rear to slide out. It was really fun.

If I couldn't have a BRZ I would go with that. Oxford White of course

[Coheed]

I like the focus ST but there is one big problem I have with it, and someone please understand what I mean. The dash, is annoyingly large. It looks like they swapped the dash from a Caravan into this focus and it really bothers me... I don't know why.

I like the low-slung feel of the BRZ, and how the car has awesome visibility. But the focus has a perpetual plane of dashboard that really turns me off. Perhaps I'm crazy... nah, I'm definitely crazy.

[Wolfking]

Originally Posted by lunchbox

...should keep the front wheels in line, as front-wheel-drive turbo cars are always prone to understeer and torque steer.

All BS aside, LB! I quit reading at "front wheel drive!" If you want to drag race, go Ford! (love my Mustangs) , but If you really want to drive...that's what the FRS / BRZ were made for. Read the bio on the car's creation and you'll learn that it is purpose built. Good luck, either way!

[Pbrown]

Originally Posted by jpdarty7

I ordered a BRZ back in March and still have no ETA and now that I've had some time to contemplate my order I'm starting to think I need a little bigger car for my daily use. The Focus ST I know is a completely different car but I think it's a solid alternative for me or anyone else who thinks the BRZ is a bit small. I'm extremely torn. Any thoughts?

To add to your dilema. I have had my FRS now for 2 months. My second car is a Mercedes (2010). I have not driven the Mercedes in 2 months. I have no interest in driving it again. I have not had a bad day since taking ownership of the FRS. I cannot speak about the Ford ST, I am sure it will be a great vehicle, but what I can tell is the FRS/BRZ are sooooooo much fun to drive and the feel good factor is through the roof.

[flippy]

Get the focus then get off our forums. Just kidding!
Get the FRS/BRZ it's so awesome.