Fiesta ST to Focus ST?

[Gibbo]

Rich the WRX if its from the same generation as the STI you drove will just feel poor now you've driven the STI.

Problem with the bog standard WRX is they run out of puff beyond 5000rpm and are slow at higher speeds due to the gearing and transmission losses.

Unless your driving a newer WRX than the STi you drove then your just gonna find the WRX less impressive.

The Focus ST has a good powerband as the turbo is far more flexible/usable and once the ST is tuned it will no doubt have a more STI wanting to kill you feel as well.

I'd buy the Subaru simply the rawness ability mate and the huge grin they bring to your face when attacking your favourite country road.

 

[Sparky]

A bit of work on the ST does transform it.

 

[rjk]

agree gibbo. in fairness comparing the bug eye sti to the hawkeye sti was a bit of a non mover.
the hawkeye felt a lot better
a lot.

i can see the appeal of all the extras that come on the newer model but when all said and done it would totally kill me to own at the moment. the focus is the more sensible option but i want to compare a standard WRX to the ST really. the STI was a totally different kettle of fish. like i say, it was totally dominant but im finding it hard to justify cost of ownership to myself at the moment.

 

[MikeHiow]

If you can afford a 7k ST you can afford a 7k STi Hawkeye?

Why buy a Focus ST that handle like a shed on wheels? You will turn and the car wont.....

AWD tyres will last far longer than a FWD car.

The Focus doesn't have direct contact from the steering wheel to the actual wheels - digital delivery does make the car feel unresponsive and unnatural feeling imo.

What have you been smoking? Both statements completely inaccurate, and spoken like a true Subaru owner that has never driven an ST. Perhaps you're bitter after one rinsed you?

In all seriousness though, this couldn't be more wrong. The ST's steering wheel is attached to the wheels, perhaps you're confused with what electric PAS is?

The ST is known for being one of the better handling cars in its class, I've not driven a car that feels so planted, refined and confidence inspiring when pushing on. Sure it doesn't corner perfectly flat, but it feels so responsive and soaks up all of the undulations in the road. By quick comparison, my Clio is the opposite, it likes to tell you every bump is there, and let you fight against them - this is more fun when you're booting it on the odd occasion as a toy, but is tiresome if you just want to make quick progress.

I'm not sure the FN2 should be considered, they are pretty slow (relatively) and from talking to a friend about his only last night, they aren't that great in terms of handling either - his description was that it felt low, hard and aggressive much like how I described the Clio, but it felt like this was to make it feel sporty and not tuned to make it actually handle better. Consider an EP3 by all means, but this is a bit of a leap backwards from the other cars you've been looking at IMO.

From reading your threads, if I wanted weekend fun, I'd be looking at a Blobeye STI and remove WRXs from your mind completely, but if it was a daily car it would be the ST - it is far more docile, comfortable and relaxed when just cruising along, but just as capable as the Subaru when it's mapped if you can look past the traction disadvantage.