2013 Ford Focus ST Review Thread - Page 8

Lminette · 10-19-2012, 12:39 PM

Having driven both in autocross environment and I prefer the BRZ. Did the ST have more in the straights of course. But the overall feel was better in the BRZ IMO. Is the ST probably the best FWD car made today? Possibly (i'd probably choose a Cooper S over it) but as far as fun goes the BRZ and ST offer different types. So when inside line says it's just as "fun" as and FR-S/BRZ I can see that but just a different type of fun.

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dwx · 10-19-2012, 12:54 PM

So I was able to actually test drive one today although not take it to redline and had limited chances to test out the front torque vectoring behavior.

The power of the car is great, it has a lot of low end torque and no real lag to speak of. It was the best part of the car. I thought the torque vectoring stuff worked well, I didn't really feel like it was an electronic nanny interfering and the car didn't torque steer much at all.

The suspension to me is soft but that doesn't necessarily mean it handled badly. I thought it handled very well and didn't really have much understeer the couple corners I thought it would understeer. The turn in was very good for a heavier FWD car and it wasn't really difficult to get the back end to come around either.

I own a BRZ so maybe I'm a bit biased but it's not really a fair comparison, imho. The BRZ is way more fun to drive than the Focus was, it obviously doesn't have the power but the rest of the package is just better. Low to the ground, smaller and lighter, quicker steering, etc. etc. I also didn't really like the interior of the Focus.

Calamity Jesus · 10-19-2012, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rootus

The last thing we need is someone who daily drives an autocross car telling us what a good handling daily driver is

. Real life isn't an autocross course...

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCRAPPYDO

Well I sort of agree, A good handling street car cannot be asked to live up to the metric of a good handling race car...

Oh, it's not a race car, it still has a full interior, is mostly quiet when getting 38-40mpg on the highway and still has some rubber bushings in the suspension (although, not many).

The BRZ, while softer, transitions and turns-in as well, if not better, than my modded MCS. That's my idea of fun. There's absolutely no way the ST can replicate that kind of fun off the lot.

SCRAPPYDO · 10-19-2012, 01:41 PM

you are most likely right, but I look forward to your review after you get a spin.

endlesss · 10-19-2012, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calamity Jesus

There's absolutely no way the ST can replicate that kind of fun off the lot.

Hah, this will only go well...

There is a Ford dealer a few blocks from where I live. I might pop over and see if I can take one for a spin. It will have to be nothing short of amazing for me to opt for one with the new GTI and WRX coming in a year or two.

SCRAPPYDO · 10-19-2012, 03:28 PM

The new GTI will only have 220 HP. So it will not be setting the world on fire with performance. With that being said, It does looks spectacular.

joe198219 · 10-19-2012, 03:38 PM

This is a cooll little artacle I came across, I know its not in depth but its about the ST and BRZ on the race track which I think both are amzing cars.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...-ford-focus-st

endlesss · 10-19-2012, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe198219

This is a cooll little artacle I came across, I know its not in depth but its about the ST and BRZ on the race track which I think both are amzing cars.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...-ford-focus-st

That article reminds me of a good point for those of us in America. Maybe the Focus ST isn't your thing but, if you're into hot hatches, it's important the car is successful.

Bear with me. The demand for the hot hatch is higher if the ST is successful. More demand will usually translate into more products. It's the same case with the BRZ/FRS, it might not be exactly what I'm looking for, but I hope it does well so other manufactures take notice.

Maybe it's just my selfish motives, but I would like to see the Scirocco R or the Vauxhall Astra VXR come to the states. The more the merrier. I can dream can't I?

torquemada · 11-24-2012, 04:16 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR2uUb4d4NI

delongedoug · 12-14-2012, 01:44 PM

I'm awaiting word on the (supposedly) new WRX and have been eyeing the ST if things don't pan out the way I'd like. As of right now, I have an Evo track car, so leave all the magazine racing tenths of a second comparison malarkey out of it, because it's for a daily and I just don't care. It's clearly a fun and sporty car. I don't need to debate it beyond that because it's taking me to work and back, not double apexing Big Bend. It will stay stock or close to it. I'm more concerned about the interior amenities and room.

As of right now, the ST interior takes a steaming dump on the WRX interior. I can't say I'm won over by the exterior styling of the ST though. That whale shark front grill is far worse than the base Focus IMO and the rear taillights coming halfway up the rear quarter panel is absurd. So other than exterior looks and AWD, the WRX doesn't really offer much to me over the ST.

They're pretty comparable at $29k with heated leather seats, HIDs and auto climate control. Although the ST adds 8" touch screen nav, 10 speaker sound system with sub, heated mirrors and daytime LEDs. I like Subaru and my 2.5RS has been pretty good to me, but the WRX is getting dated. I would surely be happy with it, but other companies are stepping up their game.

Rootus · 12-14-2012, 02:32 PM

I haven't driven a powerful FWD that I liked, yet. That would probably be the deal killer for me.

Calamity Jesus · 12-14-2012, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rootus

I haven't driven a powerful FWD that I liked, yet. That would probably be the deal killer for me.

NASIOC.

kukabuka · 12-14-2012, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rootus

I haven't driven a powerful FWD that I liked, yet. That would probably be the deal killer for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calamity Jesus

NASIOC.

Physics

delongedoug · 12-14-2012, 05:43 PM

AWD 4 lyf bro! Amirite?

AllAWD · 12-14-2012, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kukabuka

Physics

Oh, you know how to explain the physics regarding the preference of driving feel in RWD vs FWD...

A better question is probably, have you ever even taken physics beyond a HS level?

4wdwrx · 12-14-2012, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllAWD

Oh, you know how to explain the physics regarding the preference of driving feel in RWD vs FWD...

A better question is probably, have you ever even taken physics beyond a HS level?

No need for physics to realize FWD isn't close to the ideal sports car platform. There are good FWD cars, but they were chosen for its practicality and cost.

FWD is never a choice when a sports car is built from the ground up, unless Porsche proves wrong and release a FWD sports car.

But back to the Focus ST, its definitely a fun hot hatch with practicality and value. I would like one as a daily.

AllAWD · 12-14-2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4wdwrx

No need for physics to realize FWD isn't close to the ideal sports car platform. There are good FWD cars, but they were chosen for its practicality and cost.

FWD is never a choice when a sports car is built from the ground up, unless Porsche proves wrong and release a FWD sports car.

But back to the Focus ST, its definitely a fun hot hatch with practicality and value. I would like one as a daily.

I agree with you on all points, I just find it annoying when e-dick waggers answer by alluding to some intelligence they don't have.

because psychology...

kukabuka · 12-14-2012, 07:07 PM

I think you're reading into my Physics comment a little too much, AllAWD. I just thought it was funny that Rootus got an eye roll for saying that he didn't like powerful FWD cars. Nothing wrong with that sentiment to me. Not sure I deserved being called a dick for it, but hey, that's NASIOC for you I guess.

krzyss · 12-14-2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bWRX

I am curious whether you knew two things when you drove the car and had these impressions:

1) The steering is entirely electronic, any sensations you thought you had were simulated.

2) The engine sound is piped into the cabin through the sound system.

If you honestly liked both of things in spite of them being entirely fake, then more power to Ford! These things are the inevitable wave of the future. I am just wondering if you knew about them going into it.

I think you are wrong.
Electric assist is not drive by wire, it is not simulated.
The engine sound is piped into the cabin via a hose not sound system.

Read more, write less.

Krzys

PS If you think good ST does not translate into better WRX or STI you are wrong.

AllAWD · 12-14-2012, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kukabuka

I think you're reading into my Physics comment a little too much, AllAWD. I just thought it was funny that Rootus got an eye roll for saying that he didn't like powerful FWD cars. Nothing wrong with that sentiment to me. Not sure I deserved being called a dick for it, but hey, that's NASIOC for you I guess.

I think you didn't read enough into my stuff, but that's nasioc for you

heavyD · 12-15-2012, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rootus

I haven't driven a powerful FWD that I liked, yet. That would probably be the deal killer for me.

There are some pretty good handling FWD cars out there. Much better handling than the WRX and even STI.

Evil STI · 12-15-2012, 07:18 AM

This car was castrated to front wheel drive in order to make it 'schneller':

http://m.jalopnik.com/5958856/this-i...-tt+rs-racecar

Calamity Jesus · 12-17-2012, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kukabuka

I just thought it was funny that Rootus got an eye roll for saying that he didn't like powerful FWD cars. Nothing wrong with that sentiment to me.

He got the eye roll because he said he'd never driven a powerful FWD car but automatically assumed that it would suck.

.. you know.. because test drives are hard.

Rootus · 12-17-2012, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavyD

There are some pretty good handling FWD cars out there. Much better handling than the WRX and even STI.

Not many in the states. And that's only one aspect of a car, and not the part that irritates me about a high power FWD.

Calamity Jesus · 12-17-2012, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rootus

Not many in the states. And that's only one aspect of a car, and not the part that irritates me about a high power FWD.

How would you know?

Go drive something.. powerful FWD cars can be a lot of fun.

10-19-2012, 12:39 PM	#176
Lminette Scooby Specialist Member#: 138923 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Anaheim Vehicle: 2000 2.5RS Coupe Satin Green Metallic	Having driven both in autocross environment and I prefer the BRZ. Did the ST have more in the straights of course. But the overall feel was better in the BRZ IMO. Is the ST probably the best FWD car made today? Possibly (i'd probably choose a Cooper S over it) but as far as fun goes the BRZ and ST offer different types. So when inside line says it's just as "fun" as and FR-S/BRZ I can see that but just a different type of fun. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by Lminette; 10-19-2012 at 12:45 PM.

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10-19-2012, 12:54 PM	#177
dwx Scooby Guru Member#: 8343 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Atlanta, GA Vehicle: 2005 2012 Jeep 2013 DGM BRZ	So I was able to actually test drive one today although not take it to redline and had limited chances to test out the front torque vectoring behavior. The power of the car is great, it has a lot of low end torque and no real lag to speak of. It was the best part of the car. I thought the torque vectoring stuff worked well, I didn't really feel like it was an electronic nanny interfering and the car didn't torque steer much at all. The suspension to me is soft but that doesn't necessarily mean it handled badly. I thought it handled very well and didn't really have much understeer the couple corners I thought it would understeer. The turn in was very good for a heavier FWD car and it wasn't really difficult to get the back end to come around either. I own a BRZ so maybe I'm a bit biased but it's not really a fair comparison, imho. The BRZ is way more fun to drive than the Focus was, it obviously doesn't have the power but the rest of the package is just better. Low to the ground, smaller and lighter, quicker steering, etc. etc. I also didn't really like the interior of the Focus.

10-19-2012, 01:41 PM	#179
SCRAPPYDO Scooby Guru Member#: 873 Join Date: Feb 2000 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Just outside of Houston TX Vehicle: 2013 Golf R 1971 240Z	you are most likely right, but I look forward to your review after you get a spin.

10-19-2012, 03:28 PM	#181
SCRAPPYDO Scooby Guru Member#: 873 Join Date: Feb 2000 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Just outside of Houston TX Vehicle: 2013 Golf R 1971 240Z	The new GTI will only have 220 HP. So it will not be setting the world on fire with performance. With that being said, It does looks spectacular.

10-19-2012, 03:38 PM	#182
joe198219 Scooby Newbie Member#: 98162 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: yes i said it!! Vehicle: 2013 Ford Focust ST White	This is a cooll little artacle I came across, I know its not in depth but its about the ST and BRZ on the race track which I think both are amzing cars. http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...-ford-focus-st

12-14-2012, 01:44 PM	#185
delongedoug Scooby Specialist Member#: 124113 Join Date: Aug 2006 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: To infinity Vehicle: and beyond!	I'm awaiting word on the (supposedly) new WRX and have been eyeing the ST if things don't pan out the way I'd like. As of right now, I have an Evo track car, so leave all the magazine racing tenths of a second comparison malarkey out of it, because it's for a daily and I just don't care. It's clearly a fun and sporty car. I don't need to debate it beyond that because it's taking me to work and back, not double apexing Big Bend. It will stay stock or close to it. I'm more concerned about the interior amenities and room. As of right now, the ST interior takes a steaming dump on the WRX interior. I can't say I'm won over by the exterior styling of the ST though. That whale shark front grill is far worse than the base Focus IMO and the rear taillights coming halfway up the rear quarter panel is absurd. So other than exterior looks and AWD, the WRX doesn't really offer much to me over the ST. They're pretty comparable at $29k with heated leather seats, HIDs and auto climate control. Although the ST adds 8" touch screen nav, 10 speaker sound system with sub, heated mirrors and daytime LEDs. I like Subaru and my 2.5RS has been pretty good to me, but the WRX is getting dated. I would surely be happy with it, but other companies are stepping up their game.

12-14-2012, 02:32 PM	#186
Rootus Scooby Specialist Member#: 89821 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: A Series Of Toobs Vehicle: 2013 WRB WRX Sedan 2011 Outback	I haven't driven a powerful FWD that I liked, yet. That would probably be the deal killer for me.

12-14-2012, 05:43 PM	#189
delongedoug Scooby Specialist Member#: 124113 Join Date: Aug 2006 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: To infinity Vehicle: and beyond!	AWD 4 lyf bro! Amirite?

12-14-2012, 07:07 PM	#193
kukabuka Scooby Newbie Member#: 41218 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: cincinnati, oh Vehicle: 2005 STI(RIP) -> GTI 2005 Legacy GT Wagon	I think you're reading into my Physics comment a little too much, AllAWD. I just thought it was funny that Rootus got an eye roll for saying that he didn't like powerful FWD cars. Nothing wrong with that sentiment to me. Not sure I deserved being called a dick for it, but hey, that's NASIOC for you I guess.

12-15-2012, 07:18 AM	#197
Evil STI Scooby Specialist Member#: 36792 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NNJ HamfistRacing.com Vehicle: 2012 TuRD Special Edition	This car was castrated to front wheel drive in order to make it 'schneller': http://m.jalopnik.com/5958856/this-i...-tt+rs-racecar