Drivers Republic - Focus RS v Megane R26.R at Silverstone

The new Focus RS goes up against the Megane R26.R at Silverstone

[@johnjackson12]

i agree, both cars were tested as if they had just rolled off the production line hence why the focus rs doesnt have the toyo tyres. The focus was designed with comfort in mind for the real word like air con, the megane R26R was built for the track and it really shows in this video. It may be quicker than the rs round this track but you have to live with no radio, no rear seats and plastic windows ;) depends what you want to you a car for really lol

[@theprodicalsonishere]

EVO tested both around the bedford autodromes west circuit. Megane r26.r managed 1.27.8 to the focus RS 1.30.8. to put this into perspective a Lotus Elise supercharged did it in 1.27.7, the porsche Boxter S 1.28.1 and subaru impreza wrx STI in 1.30.2, the golf GTI mk6 did it in 1.32.4 which is fair for a car thats much heavyer and less powerful then contempory rivals.

[@Rassie34]

I'm sure you didn't sleep well buddy...the Focus (VOLVO) engine was beefed up already....lets map the R26.R enigine with some RSTUNING slap on a bigger turbo, intercooler and work the induction like they did on the Focus RS and the Meggy will be a monster. On track and of track.

[@launchini100]

It is not ilegal but INMORAL to compare two cars one on semi slicks and the other on street tyres

[@fercitowow]

The Megane exhaust system sounds so Sweet!

[@JakubKorzeniowski]

@mjonathan24 hahaha i'm reading this comment at the end of 2011 and i'm having a fun of my life. R26R's are worth tons of money now. they tend to be more expensive than a brand new megane rs and some even more expensive than a brand new focus rs.

[@charlesholzy]

What a brilliant and informative review. Great work guys

[@saxoryan]

The Megane's dissadvantage is its 60bhp, so im sure you can allow its toyo888's..........its also 5/6k cheaper and far more rare on the road. I would like to see a R26 Vs focus Rs

[@ActionHeinz]

Agree with the tyre difference... In a german magazine they drove semi slicks on the RS. The handling improved a lot. Clearly visible if you look at the (tested) accerleration: 0-62 with stock tyres 6.1 sec 0-62 with semi slicks 5.7 sec So if a car accelerates 0.4 secs quicker to 62, the handling in corners should improve significantly

[@fercitowow]

The Megane exhaust system souds so Sweeet!

[@sgilberthgt]

the r26r is all most a race car, the rs is a daily drive car (stereo, ac, etc etc...)

[@hondacar]

Where's the Golf GTI? The GTI is the great allrounder so it should easily dispatch both the Megane and Ford RS?

[@cliolord]

I find this quite funny. Most of you havent driven either of the cars I bet and I'd be sure that 95% of you havent driven both. Gotta be pretty gutting for all the Ford followers out there to have a rattly french car lay down a considerably faster time than the focus. Yes the Focus has a voice activated stereo now who really wants that? Now I wouldn't mind either car as I have become rather fond of the focus, but this has proved yet again that Renault can deliver some NIPPY motorcars regardless

[@bigginhillant]

iv owned both and currently own a r26r what an amazing car the megane is

[@JDpetrolhead]

How many times does he want to hit the limiter in the Megane? Bit sloppy!

[@saxoryan]

EvolutionBunny, Bring on a Remap for the Megane R26.R ;)

[@Cbirduk1990]

If you have ever been to a real track day, you'll notice the overwhelming number of renaultsports. Must be for a reason...

[@MikePT15]

@dougal88 you're absolutly right!! who gives such money for a car and not even a radio!! and the plastic windows, and no back seats!!!!!!!! focus is fast, safe, confortable and practical, a car for the track and for everyday use.

[@Aliasify]

@dougal88 Agreed, a lot of people are saying the megane is a more focused car etc and thats the problem. If it was a second car then maybe the sotry would change, but if your going to have a car just for track day fun why buy a megane and not an elise or that kind of thing? If im honest, it would be cheaper and a lot more rewarding to build your own track focused megane turbo AND it would have a radio.

[@warwickstingray]

They really need to do a comparison with the RS at least on the toyo's. Not to say the R26 is not a good car it is but my own experiences with track day tyres over even the best roads tyres is that they make a big differance. You can't do much about the engine being heavier but better tyres would help. Does anyone know what compound the toyos are? Again this makes a big differance.

[@TangoR34]

Don't judge both cars based on this video. The R26 is stripped out and set up for the track w/ sticky tyres for goodness sake. The RS is completely different and by the way I look at how the RS oversteers it will eat the R26R alive with a more twistier track. I don't how much the R26R costs but IMO even if the R26R is cheaper and about 2 seconds ahead, the RS is still a better buy with day to day practicality and extra 80PS to play with. Of course, track guys would prefer the R26R no doubt.

[@YummyCrew]

@EscarepioSenior its made for tracks not for radio

[@beaky1706]

@JDpetrolhead sometimes its better to hit the limiter

[@XanDer026]

That's why i love the RS so much and i agree with your comment

[@svtwrc]

i believe both cars cost the same. Problem is i live in america and cant buy either. If i were to choose, the RS focus would be it. I could not see my wife and i going to the store with a six -point harness on.

[@kezman82a]

I am a happy owner of a RS. I like it better then my last car bmw M3 E46 SMG2 -05, thats for sure. Much more fun. The RS is90% as fast straight forward. And 130% as fast in the bends.

[@NickH7806]

My dad owns the focus and packing 400+bhp it really is an immense machine. But.... I cant believe this guys said the ST isnt a great hot hatch and feels heavy :S The ST is actually much lighter than the RS and a ST with 300bhp against a standard RS is actually more likely to win! But the RS is a perfect all round car! :D

[@tn21beer]

Focus already has a massive waiting list... the R26R isnt selling and you can already get discounts.

[@ahpadt]

They tried 4WD but it was too heavy and would make the car too expensive. Also, they found out that the car handled more to their liking with FWD. RWD hatch = twitchy

[@MikePT15]

it has from standard continental sportcontact 3 and not sportcontact 2!!!!

[@Rassie34]

You are still not comparing apples with apples. so the meg is lighter and comes with semi's...but the ford is stronger and had all its goodies...so it should be even....still not the Meg will be on top of the ford everywhere because it's a well thought through purpouse built hot hatch....not a halfbreed Volvo - Ford combination attempt.

[@warwickstingray]

Also i feel that comparing a stripped out renault on track day tyres to a full fat ford just goes to show how good the ford is. I bet the Fords gearing is more biased towards a road car as well! Lets see this again with a stripped out track focused RS. Not a fair comparison at all this really. Renault make damn good cars but i personally would still have the RS because the potential for a track version of this car is huge.

[@bigginhillant]

give the r26r 5 cylinders to to make fair

[@stitcha123]

i happen to think cars like the megane play into better and more skilled drivers, but the focus rs makes you feel like agrea driver even when ur not. same reason an r5 was better than a 205 gti. the 205 in the right hands was incredible. but u cud just be a hooligan in the r5 and love it.

[@NickH7806]

Another thing with the RS is that one pumping 400bhp+ will pull away from almost anything in 3rd or 4th gear, but really lacks from a standing start. Also, the Megane has 2 seats and a fucking roll cage. So you cant really class that as a hot hatch. The RS has sat nav, AC, 4 seats and a massive boot! Therefore the best hot hatch money can buy! :)

[@frankpt]

Renault Sport..... no more to say!!!! More faster and beautifull!

[@DolleHengst]

The new Megane RS (doesn't have a roll cage or plastic windows) is comparable to the Focus RS. The Focus is a bit faster, but also more expensive, and the Renault is a bit more comfortable. Also, the Megane Coupe shape is nice. But that's my opinion. These cars here are both great cars. Stop arguing which car is "best". If you want the best (overall) car for this money, buy a Mercedes-Benz E-class!

[@warwickstingray]

Strange comparison. A proper Hot hatch and a track day weapon. The renault is awesome but if you did all the same things to the focus? The R26R is not a hot hatch it lacks the practicality to be an everyday car so why is it even in with the hot hatch pack. I Drive a 182 so i'm not biased towards Ford but i really don't get the whole R26R thing really. I'd rather have had an Atom 220 as a track toy for the same money!

[@syxxsyxxsyxx]

I love the Megane but that Focus RS is something special. Give it some sticky rubber and i BET it will beat the Megane by a few seconds. You have to remember the Focus is on standard road tyres. Strip the Focus RS completely and the Megane will be left behind for damn sure.

[@dilawer321]

LOL, have you seen how much a second hand r26 r is worth now?

[@sspope]

You're so wrong. R26.R is a limited edition so no.

[@launchini100]

Me too, but both cars on semi slicks !, no tricks

[@THEGHOSTMAKER1]

For a fair comparsiment up the power of the r26 r to 300 and strip the Rs interior and fit toyo R888's then re test thats more fair.

[@ohrate]

It doesn't surprise me that the Megane won, i have an R26 and am a member of a local supercar club - it embarrasses a lot of expensive machines on the twisties of the peak district. I just wish this reviewer hadn't spent so much time bouncing the .R off it's rev limiter. it would have been a lot quicker driven 'properly'

[@foxtrotfoxtrotsierra]

Always an amusing arguement on each and every vid on youtube to do with the RS and the megane. Remember that the Focus is still a focus, seats 4 people (not 5 as it has no middle seatbelt, well mine doesnt anyway), takes a load of shopping and has all the creature comforts. If you stripped out the focus of all its amenities and then put them up against eachother, i am sure that they would put in almost exactly the same lap time. I have driven the megane sport and its not as solid as the focus

[@tn21beer]

Renault thought they were going to steal fords thunder with this, simply hasnt worked, the focus already has a massive waiting list, ive seen them selling for 35k in top spec.

[@bigginhillant]

r26r now 25k plus if you can find one

[@bele77]

how many of you who comment that r26r is better than rs would really use any of them two on the track, if you have them...? i think you should look at which is also better in day to day use... which it turns out that r26r is a massive crap..

[@RenaultSport133]

@MTC0316 Yea , you got that right -.- , honestly I dont even like Renaults , infact I hate em , but RenaultSport cars are whole new story , they are the best bang for the buck and thats a fact , if I had more money I would consider something RWD and Japanese ...

[@sspope]

Ford isn't trying to copy OMFG, it's completely different car and it continues the legacy.

[@beaky1706]

imagine if that rs was track specced! imagine what it would do to that renault

[@bigginhillant]

imagine if the r26r had five cylinders in this case ?

[@clio2rsminicup]

What are the FWD we are all the records on the most famous circuits in the world, Nurburgring, Okeineim, Le Mans, etc.. ?? in 2009 the time of this video : The Renault Sport MRS2 R26R quite simply ^^ And now in 2011 what is it ?? The Renault Sport MRS3 Trophy ^^ & second ? Always the "old" MRS2 R26R ^^ THUS OF COURSE IT DOESNT BE A SURPRISE to see a MRS2 R26R won vs a Focus RS in spite of the 230hp for the MRS2 R26R vs 305hp for the Focus !!

[@geordie2001]

People moaning about the megs having semi's on .. Tune the R26r like the focus is then? Megs would still win ... Cars are tested off the production line. The Megs wins.. Simple FFS! Both cars are over 25k ain't they?? Why would you spend that when you can get an evo? lol I have r26 btw.

[@launchini100]

Do not change the cars, just put same class of tyres, semi slicks gives several seconds !

[@G8H]

Try the test again in the WET and lets c how the renault does then ?? Not so good them toyos eh eh eh

[@asbost01]

I'd say the Megane RS265 is the best hot hatch you can buy....not to everyone's taste tho I know. I do LOVE the Ford tho......:-))))))

[@RenaultSport133]

@ahpadt lol Focus RS cant even compete with newest Megane RS , how the hell would he compete with something 300kg lighter and with semi slick tires?!

[@heavenfromhell]

Megane less power faster lap-times MEGANE FTW NUF said!!!

[@TheWitchfinderGenral]

Cobblers - Audi, Subaru, VW and Mitsubishi all do equivalently powered, similarly priced, 4WD hatches and saloons with pace. Why not Ford?

[@clio2rsminicup]

Made & put a powerfull engine in a car is a very easy thing BUT made a real whole great Sport's car, all the brands dont know to made that The French Brands know to made that, it are even Masters in this domain ^^ & here sorry for english ^^ but you see that & the French Power quite simply like in the WRC with "Citroën Racing", in the F1 with the Engine Renault Sport of the Red Bull F1 & The WC of "Le Mans Series" with "Peugeot Sport" A PERFECT FRENCH RULES !! ^^ :-)

[@geordie2001]

God knows why .. you can get such a better car for the money.

[@fercitowow]

Meggy is the KING

[@filipzanetic]

r26r looks like fucking racing car and it have optimal bhp. 300 (focus) is a bit to much for fwd

[@CarToneHK]

@RenaultSport133 your username already show you're a fanboy

[@r19txi]

MEGANE el mejor en circuito!. Estoy esperando el Megane III RS para comprármelo... * Total, con lo que te compras una mierda A3.. jaja

[@ahpadt]

The Focus is a road car and the Megane is a track car. The Focus would eat the Megane for breakfast once they left the track.

[@KuziWrc]

Shitty test... I don't understand why Megane is driving on Toyo R888 and the Focus on normal tires... That is funny for me that the were measuring time with so big difference on grip. I would agree with their test when they will be driving on the same tires and in that case Focus will eat Megane

[@hondacar]

Hey everyone, I was being sarcastic :)

[@sspope]

??????

[@TheHell666yeah]

Renault Sport power!!!

[@ray315gp]

your gear changes suck ... really, the r26r can do much better!!!!!

[@jamesrossceller]

Jesus Christ u drive like my nan

[@sallyt6216]

What a crap test. Same track, same driver but different class of tyre = totally pointless comparing times

[@demon_i6682]

Lol, the interior of the Renault is so crappy French. The Megane is only 2.8 Sec faster. Put Semi's like the Megane under the Beast RS and you fanboys won't stand a chance.

[@LOLHORN]

interior means fuck all when your 2.8 seconds slower on track... which by the way, is a big difference

[@yassirbelarabi1686]

Only 2.8? Lol

[@marccardiss6124]

Christian S. Give the r26 300bhp n its never gunna lose

[@santclause1]

@jcreedy20. Biased. no just a smack in the mouth truth.

[@Jcmp951]

megane tuning..

[@CaptainMav]

why not race a lotus exige against a Merc S55AMG cause they have a similar 0-60 time? same thing, shit comparison! ford every day of the week take that lightweight heap of crap back over the channel and keep it there!

[@jcreedy20]

Another Auto car biased review. They love renault.

[@TomekLeeChan]

Sloppy driver, he oversteer Focus RS too much.

[@Rassie34]

This presenter can't even drive....see how he misses the corners....get the Stig to give it a go and the meg will break the Focus(VOLVO) by even a bigger margin.