Focus ST Review!

[@PatYouells]

So I bought a 2014 Focus ST after watching this review like many others and came to a number of conclusions. 1. You want the Focus to live with every day, and the Fiesta for the track. Unless you live in Europe (you may then want the fiesta every day) 2. I got the full leather Recaro seats. They are worth every f***ing penny. You want them. You want them. You want them. 3. The "premium" sound system is clear, but not loud. It will require some aftermarket modification to make it truly premium. 4. Actual MPG combined for me is around 21-23 (Thats with 70% city 30% highway driving) 5. You'll smile every time you go over 3,000 RPM and the engine sound fills the cabin. I like it so much, I don't feel the need to put an aftermarket exhaust on the car. I can stay considerate to my neighbors, not draw attention from the cops, but still enjoy the sound this way. 6. This was my first stick I have owned. I learned to drive stick on a 2011 Mini Cooper S. In comparison the Mini Cooper may as well have been a tractor trailer. This was the easiest clutch I have ever had to work. Even my first time in the car I found it extremely easy to use. If you haven't owned a stick but are considering an ST, take the jump. Its just better. 7. It's as much fun as my 400HP Trans Am. A different kind of fun, but still just as fun.

[@OutdoorAesthetics]

I found if u tweak the settings on the Sony audio system its great I like bass so I made it more noticeable and upped it tweek the settings for the type of music u listen to and its great.

[@PatYouells]

I'll have to give that a try. Thanks for the tip mate!

[@sales8026]

Wow that gas mileage is terrible! I get 33mpg in my stage three Fiesta ST

[@TheMustangs05]

Why not daily a fieSTa... unless u have adults u take everywhere the fieSTa is way lighter and around 10 mpg better..

[@xXFallen101Xx]

@@TheMustangs05 Well the focus has more power and feels a lot less cramped. I test drove a lot of cars including a fiesta ST and the car was too compact for me. I needed at least room for my skis and boards, and the focus ST barely lets them fit. And yeah the car is lighter but it also has less HP, and less aftermarket support than the focus.

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

Big thanks to Todd for letting me drive this for the review! Thanks for watching as always guys and gals.

[@docie98ohio]

Would you ever do a Fiesta ST review?

[@MulletWorx]

dude there is a road called clear creek road in hocking county ohio that I honestly think is the best driving road in the whole country. You might think "oh ohio is just flat as mila kunis" but hocking county is quite hilly and the road is fun to drive on in my 04 impala. If I can have fun in my boat of a car on that road, you would love it in your stang. If you ever come down this way you need to drive it. Have a nice day

[@MulletWorx]

my uncle has an M5 you can review in Ohio

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

I'd do it in a heartbeat if I could.

[@MadMonkeyMkOne]

Hey I love your videos but can you do some pov's or other camera setups maybe? I think a lot of people would love to see that!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Nice review man! The Focus ST is definitely fun, even stock!

[@ryanmarshall-gorski9834]

Anybody else die when David said, "I don't have a lot of experience with hot hatchbacks, but thats a deer." Hahahahaha

[@CO_EVO_8]

By far my favorite hatch when it comes to FWD. This car in stock form is a blast to drive!!!

[@Luke-qs2cg]

just picked one of these up, and I have to say with how wild it is with even just an exhaust short shifter clutch and tune, these things are by far some of the best hatches around. it's a visceral car when you want it to be, much more than other "hot hatches" Ford really did something with these and the fiestas

[@Xxm0nSt3rNrGxX]

I got the 2014 ST after I totaled my 2013 GT, and I absolutely love it! The mustang had much more power and presence, but the Focus ST is tight, responsive, and all around better designed and engineered. I can't wait to test drive the 2015 mustang. I believe that will be the best of both worlds!

[@hartsickdisciple]

Great video! The Focus ST is the best front wheel drive car I've ever driven. It's probably the best car for the money on the whole market. People really need to drive one to understand.

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

I agree completely.

[@santclause1]

u taking the piss? RENAULTSPORT MEGANE 275. IS THE DADDY.

[@hartsickdisciple]

santclause1 Which is a car that you can't buy on the US market.

[@santclause1]

hartsickdisciple Yes but thats why. because its way better than the ST. your country is fucking wank. and so corrupt because of money its unbelievable.

[@CountryBoyDak]

santclause1 so go back and find videos in your own country. You being a jerk like you are shows very well for your country buddy. Guess you're country is full of idiots who like to run there mouth when they need to keep it shut

[@Umad23]

I wake up, go on youtube and the first thing i see is this.. Awesome way to start the day

[@paulleysway]

If it was RWD, it'll be a killer! Love how the exhaust pipes are centered in the back.

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

If it was RWD I couldn't imagine how intense it would be haha.

[@mikeanthonysarchives]

If i didnt have my F-150, I was considering one of these cars when i worked at one of the Ford dealerships.. the car is a ton of fun and like u said, the best of both worlds. little things you can do to it and they fly! The Focus is the best car to daily drive a Manual, IMO. also the best car to learn manual. But since my truck is paid off ill keep it to get what i really want.

[@Awesomeaphobic]

As an early adopter of this platform, I can honestly say I regret nothing. Running a modified stage 1 tune right now and love it, with all my stage 3+ parts currently in the mail. Modding it is a pure addiction.

[@ipineiro554]

Love how he has a "FWD Sucks" sticker on his car.

[@adotwhite]

Yeah I saw that and was mind fucked. I'm like ummm isnt the ST fwd? lol

[@blastcollapse89]

adotwhite Think it's supposed to be ironic lol

[@thomasgipson1616]

ivan pineiro i have one on my st hahaha fwd DOES suck

[@AKDMB]

This is a true review of an ST, it shows the potential in the car with easy practical mods that most enthusiasts like to do.

[@benturner4352]

I absolutely love my 2016 ST2. Looking forward to exhaust and tune and IC.

[@buffalosoldier7686]

Intercoolers a huge upgrade on this car! I just got my 14 st3 and I'm looking at ic setups. I'd recommend a depo 3.5 👍 heatsoak is real with the stock ic

[@StormAutoAdventures]

A friend of mine recently bought a 2014 Focus ST3 and the first thing he did was remove the heavy factory wheels. He replaced them with some 18" lightweight Enkei wheels that only weigh 19 pounds each. He said he could definitely feel the difference in acceleration, his handling is better, even his braking. He said the tires he switched to are also 2 pounds lighter per wheel as well. I can't remember what brand they are though. He plans on modding his ST in the near future, but for now he's happy with the weight he removed in the most effective place. I drove it and liked it a lot. Nice job Ford.

[@Michael-ig4hr]

Best bang for you buck period! I bought a base package 2016 ST a couple months ago. It's the perfect daily driver that you can have some serious fun with.

[@TheMadIsRealXXR]

"That's a deer" BEEEP

[@blvk_sky]

@7:36 I believe "throaty" is the word you where looking for

[@victus57]

When I was shopping for a car, I almost bought one of these. It was between a black ST with the grey two tone RECARO seats, the nav system and the grey wheels; to a rare 2009 Mustang GT. The Focus ST drove great, and so did the Fiesta ST when I dove that as well. Ford says the ST has about 250 from stock, so I bet that with all the mods he has done, it'd come out around 280 or maybe a little lower. Great review though, I am a new subscriber and I will look forward to seeing more videos~

[@JoeGo101]

Im looking forward to seeing how the new Focus RS performs :D with the new AWD :D its about time Ford got into the AWD game :D

[@FXscrubFX]

This would be kick ass with AWD and 50 more horsepower

[@IcyThaneProductions]

So you mean an STI?

[@dominicancheif117]

IcyThaneProductions This is nothing like an sti go home..

[@IcyThaneProductions]

Tim Cocksmouth Clearly you didn't read that properly. He meant if you added 50 hp and AWD it would be better. Then I said that would be like an STI. You can't read go home.

[@RR101001]

IcyThaneProductions evo all the day , the sti looks amazingly gorgeous but its boxer engine isnt that reliable , if u live in usa , u can get parts easy but if u live in a country with importing taxes which triplicates (even cuadruplicates) the price of spares , i would get an evo

[@IcyThaneProductions]

Dacrazy-can Not reliable? C'mon man Subarus are tanks if you do it right.

[@felldin]

As a european, Ford makes some really good and fun cars. Both the focus and fiesta are super fun to drive. And now when they make a proper car out of the mustang, though is still feels large, they are really competitive over here.

[@BdaB164]

For whatever reason I really like this car. Theres a couple around town and even though it's a "focus" they really catch my eye and seem like a great performance hatch.

[@danwat1234]

The Chevy Bolt hatch is pretty quick too. Lots and lots of torque. 238 miles range EPA.

[@JinthorSama]

The thing sounds good. Especially given the mods. A lot of cars sounds super loud and crackly. This sounds smooth and refined. Like it.

[@QuadroNVS]

These are do have alot of potential, I drive a Focus hatch and they look much better than what previous focus models looked like. only if ford could get their damn 6 speed auto issues figured out then focus would be perfect.

[@ironicprinkle]

Ive got a black focus st and the only time torque steer is a real factor is when doing a hard launch but it is a fun car!

[@SlightlyBetterPudding]

He got the right color lol, I've got a 2014 oxford white ST and I'm in love with it.

[@caleb180]

I'm still waiting for the RS to come to America. Come on ford, get your crap together.

[@rubygt2055]

It comes out later this year and looks like it is going to be epic. Hope you get one.

[@cameronmilne3590]

caleb slagle We'll do you a deal. You guys send over the 2016 GT350(R) and you can have a pop at the Focus RS, sound good?

[@caleb180]

Seige CJ Deal.

[@mossy9825]

Hey, they came to America.

[@NTS-Creative]

I absolutely love my 2016 ST.

[@thatsInzeyne]

Focus RS is so much sexier, ST's are still awesome!

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

We never got them here in the states :'(

[@calumkz]

ThatDudeinBlue come to the UK, they're everywhere haha

[@thatsInzeyne]

ThatDudeinBlue Yeah that does suck, theres like 600fwhp RS's over here in the UK haha!

[@calumkz]

ohh you get SKYLINE GTRs evry now and again (the old ones and the new ones) thats cool, still not very common though

[@darek4488]

I've heard that a third generation of RS is coming out.

[@maeyae]

Amazing car! Called my dealer just now. Mine (2015 refresh) will arrive in 6 weeks. Slate-Grey, 19 inch black rims, big brakes and so on. Great vid, keep it up! Can't wait!!

[@jeffreyaue4976]

Ok, so I was browsing through S4 B8 videos and stumbled upon yours. The quality, angles, etc... were perfect and you did a terrific freakin job. I mean, Audi should hire you haha. You have an unbiased opinion on all these cars that I am interested in from a "car guy" stand point. So, I thought to myself, "I wonder if he's got my current car, a 2014 Focus ST Cobb Stage 1, and of course, come to yours. Your video is the same god damn video that sold me on a Focus ST!

[@hurtluke]

The noise is produced by a symposer pipe that why it doesn't sound like a typical 4 pot, it was to try and keep the similar sound the euro mk2 focus st made with it's volvo 5 pot.

[@troycheron]

i drive my fathers focus st a ton, very fun to drive

[@charlesmartin1071]

I only have one critique @thatdudeinblue, when you have the camera facing you and the window it should be on the dash facing you and the shifter and rear window

[@SDR40684]

Was driving my stratus in the rain. I was at a light, it went green and I hit the gas. The fwd car pulled Into the lane next to me. Glad I'm quick of the line.

[@erwinmulder1338]

Hi David, love your vids. I used to own a 'standard' 1.6L 183HP Focus Ecoboost (manual 6 gear) and absolutely loved driving it, until ot got totalled. Believe it or not, while it was parked on parking spot by the side of the road. I am now intending to buy the new 2015 Mustang with the bigger brother of this car's engine. If the 2.3L Ecoboost is going to be anything like its smaller 2.0L and 1.6L brothers, we're going to be in for a real treat. And to anyone out there who doesn't like 4 bangers in a Mustang: Fuel economy means much more if you're paying $8 a gallon. On top of that, we also have CO2 emission tax on new cars. A brand new V8 Camaro costs over $100k here, due to it's emissions figures. Most cars like that, although technically available aren't even listed in the catalog, because noone would buy them.

[@xCelestialSwordsman]

I hope you get to drive a newer GTI some time. I'm fighting between the two and would love to hear your opinion on a GTI. Great work as always!

[@RR101001]

the gti in my opinion is luxury , the st is more performance , i would take the st since the spares are "cheap"

[@rhcp83firefall]

The seats are good for you because they are built for your body type. As a larger backed guy it feels like a clamp

[@PyroBlonde7777]

I've got about 2k miles on my 2015 ST! The steering wheel is so much better along with the face and rear update. can't wait to throw mods on it!

[@Ryan96se]

+PyroBlonde7777 My ST had 8K on the clock when I added my Tune. Was the best first thing I ever did. Has 33K and haven't looked back.

[@PyroBlonde7777]

Yeah I cant wait for exhaust, tune, CAI and coilovers. It'll make the car feel more like a race car. I hate how quiet it is.

[@BrayZap]

I like the small changes they did to the 2015's alot more. Cant wait to test drive a 2015 ST3

[@livedeliciously]

Please review the Fiesta St.

[@david92xj]

when you come back to Michigan you'll have to review my Caliber SRT4. 330whp and 350tq is pretty awesome lol. A second gear 40 roll really throws you hard into the seat

[@dylanackerman7301]

That's not that impressive it's only 80 more horse power and 70 more pound ft of Torque than a st and it weighs 1200 more pounds

[@DoctaM3]

another great video ThatDudeinBlue

[@tornut24]

Presenting the Ford Focus ST: The only car on the market right now that comes with more comfortable Recaro seats than the Evo!

[@drift101jak]

Can't wait for the RS. Even though it won't be like the previous generation it will still be pretty good.

[@centipede8376]

Wow, left foot braking would make this ST slingshot out of corners. I've seen reviews of this before, but I see rotation sensation more at this angle. Nice one man.

[@mlinder2000]

This is still my favorite ST on KZbin. Wish the owner did a vid on the mods. Haven't watched this video in a year or more...dude looks so young 😁

[@ninjutsu5225]

Badass design I think. Fast looking already equipped with nice Wheels too!

[@Jimmystrud21]

Alright man, you should do a video on the Fiesta ST..

[@BarbWaltersMusic]

Had a 2014 ST3 ST, it was awesome and I loved the interior but missed AWD too much and got a new WRX.

[@maddiesgamingchannel8163]

I wouldn't mind having one of these. Looks fun.

[@TheBadnewz79]

Sir David, would you be interested in reviewing another ST? In a couple weeks I will be the first in the United states to have an ST tuned by this company. I landed a sponsorship due to perfect timing and am now just waiting for parts from the U.K. If we could talk or email I will give full details. You will be the first to review one and I will be the first to own one. I'm excited. Please let me know...

[@olarubogdan46]

I am gonna buy this car!

[@bilbobaggins8440]

Golf Gti manual with a performance package is way way better!

[@bilbobaggins8440]

+Danny G might be more fun but that's it. The Gti is better in every other way.

[@watchdogs295]

+Olaru Bogdan You should get an RS.

[@Gamgam4843n]

+Garen Gasparovic the gti is tiny and has zero styling not to much its lack of storage or any kind of practicality. MPS > ST > GTI

[@tosemcriatividade6449]

I'm thinking about it, just because its not hard to find an immaculate one, and is a good all year around car. GTI's are way pricier than it's worth.

[@Wilkkid1]

Great vid focus st is a great car , the European fords have made decades of great fast fords

[@leonardr6704]

Lots of hype around this car...I ought to check it out

[@ageagile1047]

Just sold my FoST and upgraded(depending on how you look at it) to a Gen 2 Mazdaspeed 3 about 6 months ago and I do gotta say I’d take the MS3 over the ST any day for a true driver drivers car the Speed 3 feels more aggressive in every way

[@Hydragurum]

Mad props to the Focus ST. I was cross shopping the 2015 ST with the 2015 Civic Si and I just couldn't resist the interior, tech, and body styling on the 2015 Si and I went with that... not to mention I'm reticent to get a turbocharged vehicle. Also, since the ST has much more torque than the Si, and the Si torque steers, I imagine it'd be much worse in the ST... so that's another reason I didn't go with it (it'd make a bad problem worse). It seems like a really great car though, but that fact notwithstanding, I've only seen two on the road in about a year, but I've seen plenty of Si's around. I wonder why that is since the ST is superior in performance (stock for stock), but comparable in price.

[@caverntaylor4773]

Yes youve finally done a review on the 2013 ST

[@FastSloW-qt8xf]

Prolly my next car. Would like a rs, or golf r. For the winter capabilitys, but not 50 grand. I got kids to so this looks perfect.. I guess I still got the Passat for winter

[@scuds03]

I have an 07 Civic SI sedan bone stock. It only makes 200 crank hp and it has snappy torque steer which is annoying. I'm waiting for them to bring the RS to the U.S. in 2016 and I'll probably sell the SI towards getting one. I may be at Ft Lee by then.

[@asp4ever115]

I love the Ford Focus, I drive an SE and I eventually wanna do an ST engine swap.

[@RazgrizNinjaEX8]

Assuming you'd do the ST trans as well, you may be looking at nearly $10,000. Hardly worth it. -2000 Focus ZTS owner who has been considering ST swapping the ZETEC for years.

[@nicholasbaldwin1674]

watches this video just moments after it was posted, this is the review video that was the final move forward and buy a ST. just wanted you to know it's all your fault ;) thanks! owned it for several months and very happy with it.

[@justjoshinya5908]

There are 3 MS3 owners here. Nice review. I love my ST, glad you liked it as well.

[@x1pyroveride]

After watching this, i really cant wait for the RS to be realeased and reviewed. Hopfully it will still get about as good milage. I plan to have it as my daily driver and retire my f150 as the daily driver.

[@Baasicstuff]

Great vid , great car

[@TheExtra40414]

nice, i really like that black/white combo.

[@ibarraalex70]

Man id much rather watch your car reviews than , anyone from motortrend , keep it up bro awesome vids , see if u can get ur hands on a Taurus SHO !!

[@krikke2109]

The Focus RS is prettier, but we have to wait at least until 2016 for the new RS, So I have to go for the ST. The sound is still very good, better than many others.

[@zerSxx]

love your choice of music for these

[@NizmoMiner]

The sound you here is fords intake routed through the speakers in the car. Plus sound like Honda vtec engine

[@SandD3Man]

Another great review sir. It seems like you have added another level of refinement to your recent videos with more exterior flybys which are placed quite appropriately. It adds a more professional feel to your videos if that makes sense. Keep up the good work!

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

I really appreciate that! I'm trying my hardest to get better each time.

[@benanderson89]

The Focus ST and RS are known in Europe for being loaded with Torque Steer and a bit unruly - they're designed to be the cheapest cars in their segment, so Ford throw a lot of power at you but skimp on the suspension a little (other cars in the Focus' price range are 200hp at most, to give you an idea) - but if you ever come to Europe, David, you need to try out some more hardcore hot hatchbacks. The likes of the Focus ST and Golf GTi are the more everyday hot hatchbacks. When you start getting into more serious FWD sports cars like the Peugeot RCZ-R, the Renault Megane RS 275, Honda Civic Type R, the Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR - all of them with 270hp or more and mechanical slip differentials - you can fully remove your hands from the steering wheel on a flat, dry road and hammer the throttle into the floor without any Torque steer whatsoever. I honestly think the reason Americans still give FWD sports cars a bad reputation is because, well, you don't get any of the proper hardcore models. Hell, the RCZ-R is on a top 5 list of best sports cars rubbing shoulders with the M235i and Cayman. That should tell you everything IMHO. :)

[@TomErikBrauer]

I'd throw the A45 in that mix, but I don't think Peugeot makes the rcz anymore.. :(

[@d3vilscry666]

For people who've had an ST for a while, how is the reliability?

[@skipperdipper25]

What kind of cat back? That exhaustsounds so much better than any other ive researched

[@TheSTRedline]

I just got one and i love it! This review was the deciding factor in my purchase. Thanks ThatDudeinBlue

[@INumba1Stunna]

This thing looks real nice. Nice flybys too, the exhaust sounds sweet and then hitting the next gear after you hear that BOV. ;)

[@thatguysdead2331]

Holy crap!!! Ive been waiting for u to get to drive one:) i love the ST

[@Reaper1008]

That is similar to the Dart, it is a bit under rated from dodge, ( 1.4 rated at 160 hp, but puts down close to that at wheels, more than both the 2.0 and 2.4 ) But the thing is it a newer platform, based off the Alfa Romeo Julieta, and motor from the Fiat 500 Abarth. I do like the focus.. Nice video, great review..

[@julianroberts7948]

Awesome video David, lovin how much content you are putting out

[@martindiz5760]

Why wouldn't you daily drive a Focus?

[@djkilpatrick5256]

Insurance is high for it to be a daily driver. I was paying 150 and I’m 31 with no car accidents

[@ajvangorden1344]

Really nice car, I love the sound of that blow off valve.

[@Its.melvin]

I'm debating buying one of these cars:/ seems like a good daily drivable performance car, but debating also with the fiesta as well.

[@jamesoconnell5974]

Great car..But the Fiesta! Wow what a driving experience have such a car crush on that car right now and for the $$ nothing even comes close!

[@devanclos1994]

Shit me too I'm trying to get one within the month.

[@teezafc]

Yeah i have one, test drove the focus st aswell as a few other hot hatches...its a crazy littlew fucker

[@bonvivant55]

Buy a Fiesta unless you need the extra room and have money for coilovers.

[@sales8026]

I went to buy a Focus ST and I drive home a Fiesta ST after driving both

[@lvcsslacker]

Wow! The ST sounds amazing with a proper exaust on it! The stock one is dead silent on the outside. My friend has one that's got a cobb stage 1 on it. I swear to god that it's faster than my 3kGT. And yes, mines a VR-4.

[@66reggy66]

Definitely my next car!! Can not wait! Awesome Vid man!!!!

[@trevor2242]

Hey man, I own a Blacked out '13 GT premium W/ Roush AB, SVE Drifts 19x9.5 and was wondering, why have you not cut your antenna down to just the bulge and use touch up paint to clean up the white tip where it was cut? IMHO it looks way nastier with it cut, or even if you just go with Stubby Antenna for like $20.00 Also, are you on any Mustang Apps? Like Mustang Evolution or anything? Thanks

[@samuelito4721]

Wow that short Porsche story at the end.

[@MattJoinesVietnamWarAirsofter]

You should see if you can get your hands on a ford focus s2. My dad got one and it's great.

[@onebadb5s481]

If you had to choose, which one would you pick, this or Chris's gti? which feels better (power/handling)?

[@djkilpatrick5256]

Yeah I regret trading my 17 st in. Bought the wife a rav4. Now I’m driving a 13 escape. Soccer dad style... id like to buy another st but scared of how the previous owners drives it

[@LawrenceTimme]

the focus wtc and btc had loads of 'oversteer' they tend to spin out and its quite funny.

[@XFactOG]

yo that is crazy i was just looking at the st to buy and was looking up reviews all last night im lost for words

[@hunterthoutt4010]

Dude now i just wnat the focus i have been looking at even more and more

[@fraxonthefurry21]

Always loved the focus since it came out but have had a mixed opinion about the ST.

[@Brock_Landers]

You want to talk about torque steer? This may sound hilarious, but my uncle had an old 89 Pontiac Sunbird GT convertible with a 2.0L turbo engine and an automatic transmission and you really had to ease into the accelerator on that car because the front end would just lift up and yank the wheel out of your hand. That was the absolute worst torque steer that I've ever dealt with. Even my 92 Colt with a 4G63t swap wouldn't have any torque steer.

[@647killa]

Awesome work as usual David. Come around Canada this time around and grab hold of an R34 GTR to review. While at it, I'd love for you to review my 02 Laguna seca blue M3. On that note, how do you feel about the focus st's electric diff and steering?

[@MrEShive]

everyone is talking about the RS. doesnt anyone know the base for the RS is like 35k?

[@hamronD73]

So? You get a lot of performance for the money.

[@RazgrizNinjaEX8]

+hamronD73 There is a term you may need to learn called "price point". 😉

[@evanwiedling5585]

The evo x GSR had a base price around that same point, with the same or less amount of standard options. Granted there isn't as much aftermarket support for the RS. However, it has 50 more horse out of the box and weighs about the same (some of the x's can weigh in at up to 300 less, not sure which ones though). As far as the cars currently on the market, the ones the RS has to compete with in the EVO's unfortunate absence, the RS clearly comes out ahead in a dollars to performance sense, at least on paper, and in nearly every head to head comparison I've seen. The RS beats the WRX STI by 45 hp and 60 ft/lbs of torque. Though the RS is about 100 lbs heavier. The RS also beats the Golf R by 60 HP and 60 ft/lbs of torque. Again though the RS is a bit heavier than the Golf R by around 200 pounds. Now the fact that it wins those number games doesn't necessarily mean it is the best car. But the Important thing is that all of the cars I've mentioned here fall in the same base price range of 35k-37k. The RS isn't meant to compete with the focus ST variant or any of the other factory boosted front wheel drive cars. It's meant to compete with the factory boosted 4-wheel drive rally sport type cars, hence the "RS" designation. The real determining factors for the tuner crowd are whether or not aftermarket solutions for pushing the RS even further start becoming plentiful and if or when they do how far the car can be pushed compared to its counterparts. So yes, the RS is prohibitively expensive for a lot of people, but it isn't meant to be a somewhat quick, sporty, and economical car like those in the 20-25k price range. It's meant to be a fast as hell, aggressive, performance car, and fill a niche in the market. Whereas the others are more for the "average" consumer who doesn't want a completely boring car.

[@dylanackerman7301]

@@evanwiedling5585 the rs also has a trash engine but okay