So need something more practical than the S2000..

MikeHiow · 5 Jul 2010 at 17:08

hilly said:
The ST is no where near as capable as an s2000, the s2000 would eat it for breakfast (both as stock).

However, the ST would be a lot more comfortable, with more creature comforts and a lot more practical, and yes I have owned the ST for 2 1/2 years, and currently own an s2000.

Relentless81 said:
I would imagine standard for standard the S2k would despatch it quite easily

I bet the S2000 feels like that because it is a lot more connected, fun and generally more 'raw'. But having spent an evening blasting around with an S2K, I can assure you that on the road, it doesn't really have anything over the ST in terms of outright performance.

Admittedly mine isn't exactly standard, but all out power doesn't mean much on what is mostly b-roads over here, and if you spent the same amount modifying an S2000 as I have my ST the results would still be the same.

Abyss · 5 Jul 2010 at 17:21

MikeHiow said:
Why is the RX8 out of the question? I think this would be the closest you'd get to the practicality you seek with the least amount of sacrifice. I will say, at least test drive one.

Failing that, the ST really is a ridiculously brilliant car. An S2000 is unlikely to be able to shake an ST on the road, yet you can easily get four bicycles in the back at the same time, whilst being in comfort for the journey.

The ST isn't as fun as an RX8 or S2000, but its almost (if not just) as capable with the added practicality and comfort.

The ST is an excellent car but I think this is taking it a bit far! The ST if 60kg heavier, 20bhp down and front wheel drive compared to the S2000.

I would also be intrigued to know how I can easily get 4 bikes in the ST, it's a pain in the neck getting 4 bikes in the Mondeo or Volvo S60 so I am suprised it's that easy in a Focus.

Lord-Jaffa, how about swapping your s2000 for my TT

. The girlfriend fancies a soft top, you can use the rear seats if you have small friends, and it's only a couple of years past 4 years old

MikeHiow · 5 Jul 2010 at 17:25

Front wheels off, one on top of the other with a sheet between each.

I did it last week, and will do it again tonight.

My ST was about 30bhp up, but then peak power means nothing.

You keep looking at insignificant "figures" and I'll stick with my opinion based on real experience.

Begbie · 5 Jul 2010 at 17:25

Lord-Jaffa said:
Yeah ill definatly be testing one out, Id prefer a smaller car which is why the Focus is more desirable to me at the moment, but I wont dismiss it untill ive tried a few.

Personally I don't think the Focus is as nice aesthetically as the Mondeo and is it really that much smaller to be worried about?

Plus N/A over FI.

Relentless81 · 5 Jul 2010 at 17:32

MikeHiow said:
I bet the S2000 feels like that because it is a lot more connected, fun and generally more 'raw'. But having spent an evening blasting around with an S2K, I can assure you that on the road, it doesn't really have anything over the ST in terms of outright performance.

Admittedly mine isn't exactly standard, but all out power doesn't mean much on what is mostly b-roads over here, and if you spent the same amount modifying an S2000 as I have my ST the results would still be the same.

It doesnt feel as quick, that doesnt mean it isnt

You cant really comapre modding an NA to an FI engine

MikeHiow · 5 Jul 2010 at 17:46

Relentless81 said:
It doesnt feel as quick, that doesnt mean it isnt

I think you've misunderstood me - the S2000 probably feels like its a lot more capable because of the kind of car it is. My point is that in the real world, and on the road, there is very little between them.

Relentless81 said:
You cant really comapre modding an NA to an FI engine

Sure I can, we're comparing real world situations. If the OP bought an ST the chances are it would be remapped for the sake of £200-500, chances are that he hasn't bothered trying to get more power out of his S2000 because it isn't economical to do so. So it is entirely fair to compare a very lightly modified ST to a standard S2000.

Simon · 5 Jul 2010 at 17:53

MikeHiow said:
I bet the S2000 feels like that because it is a lot more connected, fun and generally more 'raw'. But having spent an evening blasting around with an S2K, I can assure you that on the road, it doesn't really have anything over the ST in terms of outright performance.
.

I don't think who ever was driving the S2000 is very capable, there is no way an ST would keep up with a well driven one - especially on B roads.

We regularly drive a route after work to the gym, the S2000 has a massive advantage in both braking and traction out of corners.

I'm sure the OP is happy making this compromise though as he will gain the ability to carry 4 passengers.

Relentless81 · 5 Jul 2010 at 17:54

When I say you cant compare modding an NA to modding an FI I mean because its usually a lot easier to get more power from an FI compared to NA

Lord-Jaffa · 5 Jul 2010 at 18:10

Simon said:
I don't think who ever was driving the S2000 is very capable, there is no way an ST would keep up with a well driven one - especially on B roads.

We regularly drive a route after work to the gym, the S2000 has a massive advantage in both braking and traction out of corners.

I'm sure the OP is happy making this compromise though as he will gain the ability to carry 4 passengers.

Or 2 1/2, as the case maybe! :eek:

Im going to check some out over this month and see what sort of value can be had, I don't HAVE to make my mind up for the next six months, but summer months the S2000 has its highest selling price, which is something I will have to consider. If it was upto me I wouldn't change at all, but I have no desire to run two cars, so I have to make the sacrifice for something a little larger (with similar running costs or lower).

Oh I do around 150miles a week (work), however I do make a few long journeys a year, motorway comfort would be quite nice as im not getting any younger! Mondeo ST220 seems a nice option.

I would look at 330i's and such but Im not sure I could get one as new as I would like for the budget!

theboyrob · 5 Jul 2010 at 19:22

ST220 all the way

MikeHiow · 5 Jul 2010 at 22:29

Simon said:
I don't think who ever was driving the S2000 is very capable, there is no way an ST would keep up with a well driven one - especially on B roads.

We regularly drive a route after work to the gym, the S2000 has a massive advantage in both braking and traction out of corners.

I'm sure the OP is happy making this compromise though as he will gain the ability to carry 4 passengers.

I don't think who ever was driving the ST is very capable.

I personally found the opposite on the braking and what the ST lacks in traction out of corners (which really isn't that bad) it more than makes up for once out of the corner.