Ford Focus ST vs. Volkswagen GTI

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That 200 hp VAG 2.0T engine has now been around for what, 7 years? Sure, there were some minor tweaks over the years, but I think it's time for VAG to replace it with something newer or up the specs on it by offering different programming, alas they hold it out for the "R". It is long in the tooth and not very competitive these days, although I'm sure the GTI is still fun, at least with a manual trans.

But this:
Quote:

Thanks to a sound symposer (Ford-speak) and a sound generator (VW terminology), which establish acoustic links between the engine bay and the passenger compartment, both powerplants are remarkably melodious travel companions.

I think BMW started doing it on some models as well. If this is where the industry is heading, I want out.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Quote:

Thanks to a sound symposer (Ford-speak) and a sound generator (VW terminology), which establish acoustic links between the engine bay and the passenger compartment, both powerplants are remarkably melodious travel companions.

I think BMW started doing it on some models as well. If this is where the industry is heading, I want out.


I agree, dumbest thing ever.
FWIW, I think both cars look great, but I love the clean understated styling of the GTI. VW/Audi have always known how to make a great looking car.
 
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Ford needs to make an AWD RS500 COUPE version of that Focus!!
cool.gif
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete

But this:
Quote:

Thanks to a sound symposer (Ford-speak) and a sound generator (VW terminology), which establish acoustic links between the engine bay and the passenger compartment, both powerplants are remarkably melodious travel companions.

I think BMW started doing it on some models as well. If this is where the industry is heading, I want out.



Shockingly, IIRC the new 911 has one of these systems too.

I think I can tolerate (if only just) systems that simply pipe real intake sound to the firewall, like on the current Mustang GT, BRZ/FR-S, and IIRC like the one on the GTI. Not sure what the Focus ST is supposed to have. But systems that actually GENERATE sounds and play them over the car's audio system... ugh. It's a travesty that something like that can appear on a high end vehicle.
 
I have purchased my first and last FWD car, so I'd like to see Ford introduce an AWD version with another 100 or so bhp.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
That 200 hp VAG 2.0T engine has now been around for what, 7 years? Sure, there were some minor tweaks over the years, but I think it's time for VAG to replace it with something newer or up the specs on it by offering different programming, alas they hold it out for the "R". It is long in the tooth and not very competitive these days, although I'm sure the GTI is still fun, at least with a manual trans.

But this:
Quote:

Thanks to a sound symposer (Ford-speak) and a sound generator (VW terminology), which establish acoustic links between the engine bay and the passenger compartment, both powerplants are remarkably melodious travel companions.

I think BMW started doing it on some models as well. If this is where the industry is heading, I want out.


I want to say BMW started doing this when they first came out w/ the Z4.

I like the Focus but don't understand why it takes 50 more horsepower than the GTI and the Si to put down fairly similar numbers?
 
Originally Posted By: BrianWC


I like the Focus but don't understand why it takes 50 more horsepower than the GTI and the Si to put down fairly similar numbers?


Weight and probably gear ratio? Half a second (.5) is a pretty good lead to 60. I wouldn't really call that "similar". I would like to see the end result (time 1/4 mi, 100, 130, etc.) I'm guessing C&D &/or MT may get better results out of the Focus. They typically have better reviews than Automobile.
 
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I've seen figures for the GTI and Si all over the map, though. Car and Driver even got different figures for the sedan and coupe Si of 6.1 and 6.3 respectively. Not to mention, yeah, 6.0 for the Focus.
 
True, times typically vary, and widely for some cars. Car and Driver hasn't performed an "Instrumented Test" on the ST yet. They only did a "First Drive" -- where they estimated the ETs.
 
Originally Posted By: MCompact
I have purchased my first and last FWD car, so I'd like to see Ford introduce an AWD version with another 100 or so bhp.


Yes, like I've stated, an AWD, RS500 (~350 HP, which could be tuned/boosted higher, just like the Nippon 'rally twins'- STI/Evo) coupe version.
THIS would be FUN!!!
thumbsup2.gif
cool.gif
(And finally, there would be a rally type ride from a domestic nameplate!)
 
The original SRT-4 is still king of the pocket rockets in terms of acceleration, and best bang-for-your-buck. Sure, it may have been rude and crude, but it was quick.
 
For any magazine to do an article on "hot hatches" and not even mention the Mazdaspeed3 is a joke. Ford cannot produce a turbo four with as much power as the seven year old Mazda engine. The VW is hopeless. Give credit where credit is due: the Speed3 kicks gluteus.
 
Seems like magazines still enjoy the refinement of the GTI for all around fun, day to day driving. VW seems to think anymore power for a FWD car and the handling begins to suffer. Magazines also chime in on this with the mazdaspeed and even the new Focus ST. I've never driven either of those cars so I can't comment how overblown that is but I see it all the time in auto mags.
 
I think they are all great. The Cobalt SS was pretty close, wasn't it? I still love seeing those on the road. Heck, I liked the Ion Redline...

Don't forget Ford also makes the Mustang V-6 that can be had in the same ballpark. I know it's not a hot hatch, but...

Hey, the Focus is bound to be better than the Merkur XR4Ti!
 
Originally Posted By: MCompact
I have purchased my first and last FWD car, so I'd like to see Ford introduce an AWD version with another 100 or so bhp.


The 'Speed 3 does have torque steer problems.

Bad torque steer problems.

Funny that Mazda didn't do anything about it. The Mazda6S 3.7 has a similar amount of torque and horsepower and minimal torque steer. Too bad that they softened the current model. Mine is a blast when the road gets twisty, but they weren't competing with the Camccordtima being chassis tuned and sized for performance

I think the Mazdaspeed 3 is a hoot to drive. Where the GTi is refined, the 'Speed3 is angry. The 'Speed 3 is the modern day Omni GLH...with an extra 100+ hp and better handling.

I just can't get past that leering grin on the front fascia.
Randall_Mazda3_Smile.jpg
 
Originally Posted By: Indydriver
For any magazine to do an article on "hot hatches" and not even mention the Mazdaspeed3 is a joke. Ford cannot produce a turbo four with as much power as the seven year old Mazda engine. The VW is hopeless. Give credit where credit is due: the Speed3 kicks gluteus.


To be fair, the Focus ST engine is about 15% smaller displacement than the Mazda engine and the vehicle is rated for better fuel mileage. But it's true, the MS3 engine is kind of a beast in its segment.
 
At the price of those FWD cars, it wouldn't cost too much more to get an AWD Subaru or Mitsubishi.

Anyway, the reason I don't like the VW is because it seems that repairing a VW costs at least 2x as much as repairing a Ford.
 
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