Only the UK press seem to have been going so mad about the track performance.

The French auto magazine programme on Motors TV (416 on Sky) said the exact opposite (and also ranked it in first place). That magazine claimed it was better on the road than the track. I suppose it's important to consider that most countries have better roads than us.

Even their B-road "twisties" are near perfect in a lot of EU countries. They've been using a better tarmac (softer, more expensive but far smoother) for years - only now has our Highways Agency begun to properly roll-out (!) this new type of surface.

I can't see the point in defending the on-track performance as I will never drive my car on a track. But 105mph around a sharp bend is still impressive to me, especially when the car just does it without any need for correction or control.

Frankly, any idiot could turn in the Focus on a smooth surface (and obviously in any Scooby with the right suspension set up). Do it on a dodgy road surface and you deserve everything you get for being so stupid in the first place.

Finally, I am not surprised most "scoobynetters" choose the Subaru. If they didn't they wouldn't be on here! I think the original point of all these threads was to offer a comparison and then all of a sudden every prat from both camps started to spout out the "my car is better than your car" drivel.

Most races on the street (well here in London anyway) are won by the person willing to take the most risks. I've let Novas "beat me" around town centres because I can't be arsed. No doubt they go off and tell their mates that they pissed over a Cossie. Fine, whatever..!

A lot of people on here are fortunate enough to have had lots of different cars, or maybe even one from each "side". These people can give a more honest opinion based on facts, not what some journalist said. Even if they are good drivers, they may not be good writers (and vice versa). So they see the word "torque steer" and publish it in their copy, even if they don't know what it really means.

Jonathan

 

A very fair and reasonable reply Jon

I have to admit to stoking the fire a little bit with my modded suggestions, but there were plenty of smilies in there all intended in the best of humour naturally!

 

<<I can't see the point in defending the on-track performance as I will never drive my car on a track.>>

<<Most races on the street (well here in London anyway) are won by the person willing to take the most risks.>>


Very mature.

 

jonmorris - I will probably be banned from scoobynet for this, but you do seem to make some sensible comments. As someone who has considered getting an RS (and dont tell anyone but I am secretly still thinking about it) can I ask that you post up some comments after a couple of weeks of ownership. Just keep this between you and me though ok?

Steve

 

RB5320 - why would you get banned from scoobynet for thinking about buying a Focus RS ? Its hardly a sin to own another car. I'm buying a Honda but I don't expect my membership to cease here just becos I haven't got a scooby for a while! You shouldn't either!

 

Hey Rob, what's very mature?

Me saying I don't race people as it's dangerous and only done by people willing to take risks?

Or, you totally misquoting me and trying to make it look like I said something else?

Of course, if you weren't being sarcastic and really meant it then I apologise!

[Edited by jonmorris - 12/14/2002 3:33:27 PM]