Ford Focus ST Against Mazdaspeed 3, WRX & BMW M3

mongoose221

Well-Known Member
406
179
middletown, NY
drove an ST, drove a golf R, and drove a BRZ. this guy has a hardon for the ST sound/revving... i thought he was going to have to change his pants when he was talking about the engine sound while revving.
I prefer the R to the ST overall, as the ST is torque steer out of the wazoo (same reason i didnt like the MS3). Golf R was significantly better interior wise, much more comfortable to drive.
In everyday driving, and even spirited everyday driving, the Golf R annihilates the ST due to the simple fact that it is easier to drive, it doesn't punish you.
The ST feels more like a track car in my opinion.
The BRZ? not my bag. Midrange engine is flat as heck, so awful for everyday driving IMO. RWD is great on the track, and i mean GREAT, but for everyday up in the NE where i live? not so much.
BRZ rear seat sucks, and the trunk isn't very big with the seats up, so not very practical.
In a vacuum/bubble i'd take the Golf R any day over either of these 2 vehicles for a DD (especially in the northeast) simply based on the hatch practicality, the refined interior/ride, and the ease of the powerband.
If i was somebody wanting a track car? BRZ hands down.
If i was somebody wanting a DD that i could track on the weekends? ST wins it.
Now, again, in a vacuum/bubble, we don't have to worry about price and reliability.
The Golf R gets stomped in price, and a big knock in reliability vs the ford and BRZ too i think.
anyway. if i had 35g's and you told me to pick one of these 3? i'd take the Golf R.
 

mongoose221

Well-Known Member
406
179
middletown, NY
actually, did a comparo of my SI to my 2011 WRX (and my 2010 supercharged SI coupe) in another area (webby) might find it for me? : )
if price wasn't an option, i'd own the golfR in a heartbeat over my SI (in this case specifically) for MY needs (i don't track the car, it's a nice thought, but it just doesn't happen) i like a quick, fuel efficient (for the sportiness), practical (4 doors and/or a hatch) vehicle. i would PREFER some form of AWD (like the golfR or an STI) but there isn't really anything in the SI's price range that gives ALL the things i want. the SI gives what i needed (quick enough, practical enough 4dr and trunk, great fuel economy, low [relative to others] car payment/maintenance/insurance, best reliability of the group) for MY needs and wants.
 
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