C&D: Focus RS v Golf R v STI

[Rich]

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2016-ford-focus-rs-vs-subaru-wrx-sti-vw-golf-r-comparison-test

On paper, the RS arrives with a clear advantage. Its 2.3-liter engine, based on the one in the Mustang EcoBoost, is tuned to deliver 350 horsepower. It sends this effort roadward through a transmission system smart enough to have earned its own doctorate, with separate electronically controlled clutches distributing torque to each rear wheel. At $36,605 before options, it's more than twice the price of a basic Focus S sedan. And although standard equipment includes a touchscreen interface, Recaro sport seats, and keyless entry, there's still plenty of potential to add to that. Our car emerged from the calculator at $40,085 as tested.

Ridiculous, maybe, but that's what you have to spend in this segment. The Volkswagen Golf R costs an almost identical $36,470 in base four-door manual form, and $40,010 with options. With a 292-hp version of Volkswagen's 2.0-liter turbocharged four, it's down on power compared with the RS and has a less advanced Haldex four-wheel-drive system that can't match the Ford's clever torque biasing. The R is the only car here available with an automatic option—Volkswagen's familiar six-speed dual-clutch DSG—but resisting it, as we would urge you to, saves $1100 and 80 pounds.


Finally, an outlier: the Subaru WRX STI, distinguished from the others by the fact that it's a sedan rather than a hatchback, and because Subaru has somehow managed to supply us with a U.S.-spec car on Illinois dealer tags. With no front license plate of any kind, it should make any encounter with les gendarmes interesting. The WRX shares the same mechanical ­layout that Subaru has championed for decades, as if it were presented to them by the Almighty on carved tablets. A turbocharged flat-four supplies power to all ­corners through a center differential with front-to-rear adjustable torque bias on the STI, and with limited-slip diffs at each end. For $35,490 to start, it's slightly cheaper than the others, but a comprehensive options workout makes it the priciest car here when ­sampled, as they say in France, a la carte.

[Rich]

I think the sweet spot for hatches from these guys are the Fiesta ST, GTI, and WRX, and it'd be down to the Fiesta/GTI for me.

[Raza]

Golf R, no question.

[12,000 RPM]

Yea, of these, Golf R for sure

For my dollas, GTI PP with the mechanical LSD. We see snow like 2 days a year here tops, and many of the early Golf R reviews I read said the R was not worth the premium over a decently specced GTI. If the R had a VR6 it would be a different story but as is nobody gives a fuck about no weak ass Haldex AWD.

Something about the Focus RS seems really cheesy and overhyped to me and I don't like the Focus interior. No point in buying a new STI when I can get a 2005 and have the same exact engine and technology lol.

[565]

I expected way more straightline speed from the Ford.  Disappointing.

[MX793]

I think to live with every day, the VW is the best all-around package.  That said, I do love the RS.  I like that the exhaust note has real character (and doesn't rely on a symposer).  I love that trick rear axle and AWD setup.

[12,000 RPM]

I expected way more straightline speed from the Ford.  Disappointing.

Interesting point. The M2 only makes a hair more power but weighs more and does not have AWD, but is way faster. Damn near 1s and 8MPH through the quarter. I'm thinking the Focus HP rating is a lot more accurate than the M2. They both have the same 0.35 drag coefficient so IDK.

[MrH]

Drag coefficient doesn't mean anything in this context.

The uber hot hatch is a weird segment. They're now missing the most important part: the price.

[Payman]

In this segment, Golf R. However at this price point, I wouldn't be looking at this segment.

[Payman]

In this segment, Golf R. However at this price point, I wouldn't be looking at this segment.

See sig below \/\/\/\/

[12,000 RPM]

There's nothing at this price point with this level of performance and practicality. Obviously these things are going to be compromised... that's kind of the whole point. It's about striking the right compromise

[Cookie Monster]

I like the Golf R the most but wouldn't get one because I'm butthurt VW won't give us the 3 door R.

[12,000 RPM]

I like the Golf R the most but wouldn't get one because I'm butthurt VW won't give us the 3 door R.

I feel like 3dr vs 5dr GTI/Golf R people are completely different camps. Im a 5dr guy and you are a 3dr guy. Its amazing how 2 drs make such a huge difference.

[GoCougs]

Those 5-60 mph times are painful esp. for the STI.

[12,000 RPM]

Welcome to turboville.... population: >3000 RPM.

[MX793]

Interesting point. The M2 only makes a hair more power but weighs more and does not have AWD, but is way faster. Damn near 1s and 8MPH through the quarter. I'm thinking the Focus HP rating is a lot more accurate than the M2. They both have the same 0.35 drag coefficient so IDK.

Of coarse, AWD saps considerably more WHP.  Also, the M2 has a larger motor, which should translate into a fatter power band despite similar peaks.

[cawimmer430]

Keep dreaming, 'Murica! 

[12,000 RPM]

No, peak Golf form still remains the Golf 5dr.

[Raza]

I feel like 3dr vs 5dr GTI/Golf R people are completely different camps. Im a 5dr guy and you are a 3dr guy. Its amazing how 2 drs make such a huge difference.

Considering how I'll always have a sports car, I too would only buy the 5 door. Makes the car so much more practical, and a legitimate choice over a premium compact sedan (like the 3 series).

[Payman]

Keep dreaming, 'Murica! 

Fuck yeah I'd love a Scirocco. I have zero use for 4 doors, and 2 doors looks so much better.

[12,000 RPM]

I have found that 3 door guys are way more aggressive. When I had the Z they went above and beyond to try and race me. It was absurd. I could see someone buying a 3 Dr and trying to make it a race car

[Cookie Monster]

I feel like 3dr vs 5dr GTI/Golf R people are completely different camps. Im a 5dr guy and you are a 3dr guy. Its amazing how 2 drs make such a huge difference.

The 5 door R is already surprisingly light in this class. I think a 3 door would have been amazing.

I don't carry passengers that often, and even if I did, a 3 door would be just fine to take people in. A 5 door still isn't big enough to take 4 people skiing (yeah, I could get a top box, but there isn't enough room behind the seats to throw all the other gear in) so might as well get the lighter, better looking 3 door IMO.

If they had a Golf R wagon I'd be on that like white on rice (or me on rice, really ).

[Cookie Monster]

Wait...



That's a lot more room than I thought. Hmm, I think a 5 door Golf R would be perfect for skiing then.

Disregard all my other posts in this thread.

[cawimmer430]

Fuck yeah I'd love a Scirocco. I have zero use for 4 doors, and 2 doors looks so much better.

They look really awesome, too. I'll take mine in Lime Green! 

[12,000 RPM]

Wait...



That's a lot more room than I thought. Hmm, I think a 5 door Golf R would be perfect for skiing then.

Disregard all my other posts in this thread.

Yea wife's trunk is not much smaller than mine. I keep telling you guys, peak Golf form is the 5 Dr hatch

[GoCougs]

Totally. 3-door Golf is kind of a waste - same wheelbase, same length, same weight, and big ass doors that can't only but ding cars and whatever else one parks next too.

[280Z Turbo]

Totally. 3-door Golf is kind of a waste - same wheelbase, same length, same weight, and big ass doors that can't only but ding cars and whatever else one parks next too.

I think the E46 looks a lot better as a 2 door, but I get really sick of my ridiculously long and heavy doors. I always have to sneak my way out the door.

[Payman]

Totally. 3-door Golf is kind of a waste - same wheelbase, same length, same weight, and big ass doors that can't only but ding cars and whatever else one parks next too.

A 5-door performance car is a compromise. You get it to accommodate the kids and justify the purchase to your wife. I'm glad they exist because it can serve as the sole family vehicle, but they're the crossovers of the sportscar world. 2 doors has always been the desirable body style... imagine the awkwardness of a 4 door Camaro or Mustang, or compare the style of the Panamera vs the 911.

[ifcar]

A 5-door performance car is a compromise. You get it to accommodate the kids and justify the purchase to your wife. I'm glad they exist because it can serve as the sole family vehicle, but they're the crossovers of the sportscar world. 2 doors has always been the desirable body style... imagine the awkwardness of a 4 door Camaro or Mustang, or compare the style of the Panamera vs the 911.

While true for those examples, the Golf still looks like a shoe no matter how many doors you have.

[Payman]

While true for those examples, the Golf still looks like a shoe no matter how many doors you have.

Even some shoes are more stylish than others.