What are the criteria for comparing one car against another? Well, basically, they should belong to the same category; have similar performance stats and, perhaps more importantly, be close in price.
The new 2013 Ford Focus ST and the soon-to-be replaced VW Golf R that are featured in latest episode of "Head 2 Head" from Motor Trend are a match in two out of these three criteria: they're both compact hatchbacks and each gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 256hp in the VW and 252hp in the Ford.
Aside from the fact that one is FWD (Focus) and other is AWD (Golf), what they differ in is their price, as the Focus ST 5d starts at $24,495 ($28,170 as tested) and the Golf R 5d at $34,590 ($36,895 as tested).
Since we're talking about a significant price distance between the two ($10k in basic trims), it would have made more sense to use the 2013 Golf GTI, which despite being less powerful at 200hp, it costs the same as the ST at $24,595 for the 4d model.
You will probably be wondering why Carlos Lago from Head 2 Head invited the Subaru BRZ.
Well, being that you cannot turn off stability control on the U.S.-spec Golf R (well, at least not without hacking it…), the crew could not compare the two cars on the race track portion of the test, so they decided to replace it with the BRZ.
Given that they knew or should have known about the Golf R's problem from the start, it makes about as much sense as tits on a bull.
To see how this oddly matched trio faired, head past the break to watch the video.
8 Comments:
The Ford is a whole lot of car for that price, plus it's quicker around the track then the BRZ, impressive. The only reason the Golf is quicker in the quarter-mile, is with the help of its all-wheel drive system on launch. Ford should really offer a high-performance all-wheel drive version of the Focus, a genuine track screamer, like their RS, 300 hp with a top-notch all-wheel drive system derived from their WRS cars.
I don't see how a 200 hp GTI could come close to competing with the Ford. It's high time Volkswagen did a complete redesign of the Golf, it's beyond showing its age, it's stuck in the last century. A genuine all-wheel drive system, like the Haldex system found in the new Volvo, is what the Golf GTI needs as well.
a VW golf is as sporty as "golf" is.
focus st is as exciting as basketball is.
also you have to pay 50% more to play golf over basketball
I like all three cars... but shame they don't bring the Focus ST Wagon to North America! My dog would really appreciate that!
I think the Ford badge is enough to turn anyone away if they knew how crap they are. From personal experience and from a mechanic I know who works at a Ford garage, these cars are unbelievably awful. Don't know if the production quality for North America is different, but here in Europe it's sh!t. The VW is more expensive for good reason. You get what you pay.
you have a point but you have to admit difference of quality is not as huge as difference of price.
on the other hand if I want to spend 35 grands on something like these two, I would definitely go buy a WRX or evo for that money.
BS - I own a 2013 Focus, and it is a remarkable car. No issues, great ride, handling, fuel economy, materials, fit and finish. The DCT broke in after 1000 miles and shifts quite well. What is it about these cars that makes them unbelievably awful?
Your way off base there. You are falling for all the stereotype crap.
I love the new ST, I got it when it was first released and make sure I take it to a Ford Service Center whenever I suspect trouble. I have always been on top of my tune ups and highly recommend going to a ford service center.
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