Car Wars: Scion FR-S vs Ford Focus ST

[hattrickey]

When I was car shopping I test drove the Focus ST. Overall it was nice, but, I came away disappointed. In my opinion, the cabin had a very cramped feeling to it. Also, the Sync Touch was so complicated the salesman could barely work it. The car just didn't have a very good "feel". Not quite sure how to explain that, but, when I test drove the FR-S, I felt connected. The Focus ST just didn't produce that feeling.

Also, the front bumper looks like a catfish so that didn't help.

[B L U E S L A T E]

ST is such a great car. I'd daily the shit out of it.

[thill]

Originally Posted by hattrickey

When I was car shopping I test drove the Focus ST. Overall it was nice, but, I came away disappointed. In my opinion, the cabin had a very cramped feeling to it. Also, the Sync Touch was so complicated the salesman could barely work it. The car just didn't have a very good "feel". Not quite sure how to explain that, but, when I test drove the FR-S, I felt connected. The Focus ST just didn't produce that feeling.

Also, the front bumper looks like a catfish so that didn't help.

The My Touch system is crap. My buddy has had his brand new ST in the shop three times now because the system keeps locking up and won't work.

Styling is subjective, but the Focus ST does nothing for me. I do like the new Fusion though.

[Kelbyat07]

Heard that they might make a fiesta st that might also be a competition for the twins, haa.

[Suberman]

Originally Posted by Kelbyat07

Heard that they might make a fiesta st that might also be a competition for the twins, haa.

Already out in Europe and yes, it does compete.

[Morg]

They're already on the streets in North America too.

[industrial]

My brother was going to buy a Fiesta ST and I remember reading here that there were crazy incentives on the focus. I convinced him to go for the Focus (which is what he wanted anyway). My brother just picked up a new Focus ST for 20k flat out the door. That is alot of car for the money!

[BlueDubbinTDI]

If I didn't already have a Golf TDI I woulda gotten a GTI with DSG. and if the ST came with a dual clutch auto I woulda gotten it before the FRS as well. Oh yeah same thing with the WRX too. Cant wait for automakers to start making nothing but autos down the road. Im tired of buying sports cars based on good autos...The freakin Veloster turbo comes with a dual clutch why cant other real sports cars do it yet...

[thill]

Originally Posted by BlueDubbinTDI

If I didn't already have a Golf TDI I woulda gotten a GTI with DSG. and if the ST came with a dual clutch auto I woulda gotten it before the FRS as well. Oh yeah same thing with the WRX too. Cant wait for automakers to start making nothing but autos down the road. Im tired of buying sports cars based on good autos...The freakin Veloster turbo comes with a dual clutch why cant other real sports cars do it yet...

Many enthusiasts don't want an auto in their sports car (raises hand). I believe like 80% of the BRZ/FRS's sold have manuals. The manual is not dead, and I really hope manufacturers consider this when building economical sports cars.

And just because a car has a dual clutch does not mean it is superior. I have not driven a twin with an auto, but have driven a Veloster turbo with the dual clutch and it is nothing to write home about. A proper 6 speed manual would have been an improvement IMHO. But than again, the Veloster turbo should probably not be considered a sports car.

[BlueDubbinTDI]

Originally Posted by thill

Many enthusiasts don't want an auto in their sports car (raises hand). I believe like 80% of the BRZ/FRS's sold have manuals. The manual is not dead, and I really hope manufacturers consider this when building economical sports cars.

And just because a car has a dual clutch does not mean it is superior. I have not driven a twin with an auto, but have driven a Veloster turbo with the dual clutch and it is nothing to write home about. A proper 6 speed manual would have been an improvement IMHO. But than again, the Veloster turbo should probably not be considered a sports car.

If a car has the ability to shift as fast as an F1 car its clearly the superior transmission...otherwise it would have never been developed and supercars would still come with sticks. I'm not bashing the MT I'm just saying the dual clutch is more efficient...in every way bit weight

[chulooz]

Originally Posted by BlueDubbinTDI

If a car has the ability to shift as fast as an F1 car its clearly the superior transmission...otherwise it would have never been developed and supercars would still come with sticks. I'm not bashing the MT I'm just saying the dual clutch is more efficient...in every way bit weight

Yeah, F1 cars dont have fenders; does that mean thatss the superior car design? Comparing street cars to F1 rarely makes sense. High speed shift time is the only thing dual clutches can 'boast' and for many those 0.03 seconds dont matter. The dual clutch is less engaging in every way. The manual is far from dead, here here for controlling your own clutch/gears.

[autobrz]

Originally Posted by thill

Motortrend also had an ST overheat at the track. In December.

http://wot.motortrend.com/2013-ford-...#axzz2dBcycVyb

BRZ brakes also overheated at the track after 3 or so laps when one of those magazines tested.

[chulooz]

Originally Posted by autobrz

BRZ brakes also overheated at the track after 3 or so laps when one of those magazines tested.

That shouldnt surprise anyone, they dont come with track pads (or tires).

[thill]

Originally Posted by BlueDubbinTDI

If a car has the ability to shift as fast as an F1 car its clearly the superior transmission...otherwise it would have never been developed and supercars would still come with sticks. I'm not bashing the MT I'm just saying the dual clutch is more efficient...in every way bit weight

A properly executed DCT, yes. In the case of the Hyundai Valoster, Car And Driver preferred the non-DCT automatic as the DCT felt slower to shift. Transmissions have not been Hyundai's strongpoint:

This is not a bad thing. In our earlier test, we weren’t impressed by the DCT’s what’s-your-hurry shift speed, whereas the Turbo’s six-speed automatic pops its shifts relatively briskly, particularly in the Sport setting. It upshifts automatically as redline approaches, manual mode or not, but that’s true of the DCT as well.

I have nothing against DCT's personally, and I agree, a properly executed one should be better in terms of performance (see Porsche, VW, etc), but I am old school and prefer a manual. I love to shift and have been driving manuals since I was 16. I still feel like there is something to be said for "being the computer" that shifts the car and having that feeling of being in control.

I know Jay Leno has driven and owns some of the worlds advanced DCT's, and he still loves a good manual I would love to own both...