Focus ST Quicker than Astra VXR and Megane RS in a drag race

chaparral · 6 Nov 2016 at 20:48

This has really surprised me seeing the lower power focus ST is the faster in this Top gear drag race video against the higher power output Astra VXR and Megane RS

(The drag race part starts at 6.30 into the video)

Astra VXR 276bhp, Weight 1475kg

Megane RS 265bhp, Weight 1379kg

Focus ST 250bhp, Weight 1437kg

delta0 · 6 Nov 2016 at 20:57

Might have been a fairer comparison if they all had pro drivers in them.

chaparral · 6 Nov 2016 at 21:06

delta0 said:
Might have been a fairer comparison if they all had pro drivers in them.

Looking to see if I can find any other drag races done between them

It very strange as both the Astra VXR & Megane RS are rated at 0-60 in 5.8 seconds where the focus ST 0-60 is rated at a much slower 6.3 to 6.5 seconds

Hedge · 6 Nov 2016 at 21:14

I have a Megane RS 250, remapped though. I'd have thought I would beat an ST but maybe not! lol.

chaparral · 6 Nov 2016 at 21:17

Hedge said:
I have a Megane RS 250, remapped though. I'd have thought I would beat an ST but maybe not! lol.

These video's shows the focus ST losing against everything

(but it is the Megane RS 265 RB7)

Hedge · 6 Nov 2016 at 21:20

Its all rather close between any of the hot hatches to be honest. There is only so much we can get from FWD I guess!

adolf hamster · 6 Nov 2016 at 21:44

Its not what power the engine has, its how much power the driver can get to the wheels, and how much power the wheels can get to the tarmac.

Yaayuh! · 6 Nov 2016 at 21:49

adolf hamster said:
Its not what power the engine has, its how much power the driver can get to the wheels, and how much power the wheels can get to the tarmac.

And after that, what the gearing is like and the weight of the car etc.

Dav4 · 6 Nov 2016 at 21:57

Those drag races don't prove anything it depends on who launched the car the best and who got the quickest gear change. In real world driving the ST is slightly slower as the 0-60 times prove! That's why Ford have the RS Focus which would spank the both of them.
Can't believe how heavy the VXR is for a 2 door :eek:

it even looks like a lard arse

Lokken86 · 6 Nov 2016 at 22:00

Hedge said:
Its all rather close between any of the hot hatches to be honest. There is only so much we can get from FWD I guess!

Wish I had AWD but really it only seems to be for the fastest 0-60 times. I hate wheelspin though!

chaparral · 6 Nov 2016 at 22:07

Dav4 said:
In real world driving the ST is slightly slower as the 0-60 times prove! That's why Ford have the RS Focus which would spank the both of them.

I would say these are the cars that the Focus ST was designed to be up against (Cars in the 200hp to 299bhp range and cost below 30k )

And the focus RS is up against cars that are over 300bhp and cost over 30k I.E new civic type R, BMW 135i & 140i , Golf R, Audi S3 RS etc

Dav4 · 6 Nov 2016 at 22:27

chaparral said:
I would say these are the cars that the Focus ST was designed to be up against (Cars in the 200hp to 299bhp range and cost below 30k )

And the focus RS is up against cars that are over 300bhp and cost over 30k I.E new civic type R, BMW 135i & 140i , Golf R, Audi S3 RS etc

Yes without a doubt I totally agree with you but the other 2 are more expensive than the Ford I think at about 27-28k and a bottom spec RS can probably be had for 32k whereas the S3, Amg etc are a lot more expensive and in a different price bracket.
Also worth noting as people like to call the ST slow on some hot hatch discussions on other forums and make out the RS Megane, Astra VXR, Leon Cupra etc are animals but they are the fastest models available from them manufactures and a good 3-4K more expensive than the ST whereas Ford still has the RS with 345bhp and AWD for a few grand more

adolf hamster · 6 Nov 2016 at 22:27

Rossi~ said:
And after that, what the gearing is like and the weight of the car etc.

True, needless to say its a complex business.

Thing is there's also real world speeds based on if you arent doing a standing start

shoes · 6 Nov 2016 at 22:44

And compromise, too, what makes a car dig in for traction doesn't necessarily equal good cornering ability.

Nasher · 7 Nov 2016 at 09:54

You can tune the hell out of a Focus ST with mostly standard parts though. Not so easy or "cheap" on the others! Renaults and Vauxhalls aren't exactly known for having strong gearboxes etc

If you want some real fun, how about a 300hp Fiesta ST. Still works out cheaper than the others

Jamesyboyjim · 7 Nov 2016 at 10:27

I'd still rather a Focus ST over the Astra or Megane.

Gibbo · 7 Nov 2016 at 10:32

Forgetting badges, I prefer the look of the Astra the most, I think it also seems the nicest inside and has the best mix of on road driving, its not to firm and its not to soft, plus the fact is uses mechanical traction on the front-end instead of E-diff would be an attraction for me.

The Focus probably won because it was able to put all its power down to the road and was probably easier to launch as Ford love limiting torque in the first two gears which is annoying but does mean cleaner getaways.

But hey I hate to admit it but if the choice was these three, I'd take the *********** Astra.

Jamesyboyjim · 7 Nov 2016 at 10:43

Gibbo said:
But hey I hate to admit it but if the choice was these three, I'd take the *********** Astra.

wash your dirty mouth out with soap!!!

Gaygle · 7 Nov 2016 at 11:59

delta0 said:
Might have been a fairer comparison if they all had pro drivers in them.

In fairness, it looks like they all got a fairly equal start and the Ford really starts pulling away in 3rd/4th gear, which means it would be no different if you were a pro driver or an amateur.

9designs2 · 7 Nov 2016 at 21:43

Ford normaly engineers in good flat torque curves with strong mid range plus superior chassis that can put the power down.... parked next to a chap with an ST on Saturday, he got talking, his is tuned by Puma racing to 450 apparently.... a bit of handful.... no **** !!!