Mk2 Focus RS 405bhp
27 January 2010, 12:15 AM
#151
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fords have improved a lot over the years but it still stands for Fix or Repair Daily. Great chassis' but they still can't build an interior. Or door hinges. Or parcel shelves. Or door cards.
Some might call RS drivers chav w4nkers - how would that stand on your rather eloquent and articulate shoulders?
So an RS over an E92 (coupe) M3 then? Hmmm - I doubt it ;-)
Some might call RS drivers chav w4nkers - how would that stand on your rather eloquent and articulate shoulders?
So an RS over an E92 (coupe) M3 then? Hmmm - I doubt it ;-)
27 January 2010, 12:18 AM
#152
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dream - aside from my pi55 takes, I always recommend the Ford Focus to friends looking for a car under a certain budget as they do last well. Four have done so and all are very happy with their cars.
But being a bit of a car geek, I check stuff and was shocked was I tested an ST at the flimsiness of some fittings (boot hinges, parcel shelf) and nastiness of some plastics. It looked pretty good but felt pretty average.
Shocked about the Civic - I really did think Hondas were bulletproof.
Some BMWs have problems no doubt about it - older 20d engines like to eat swirl flaps then die, some 335is have had turbo issues, some have traction control issues and most big alloyed (19") BMWs have had cracking issues. I think BMWs change to RFTs is responsible for many issues, hence me changing to non RFTs as soon as I could - highly recommend it on your missus 320d too.
No brand is 100% reliable (Lexus aren't far off though) but there's a lot to be said for a quality "feel" to a car. Everything in a BMW just feels solid, well thought out and well made. Same with Audis and some Mercs.
But being a bit of a car geek, I check stuff and was shocked was I tested an ST at the flimsiness of some fittings (boot hinges, parcel shelf) and nastiness of some plastics. It looked pretty good but felt pretty average.
Shocked about the Civic - I really did think Hondas were bulletproof.
Some BMWs have problems no doubt about it - older 20d engines like to eat swirl flaps then die, some 335is have had turbo issues, some have traction control issues and most big alloyed (19") BMWs have had cracking issues. I think BMWs change to RFTs is responsible for many issues, hence me changing to non RFTs as soon as I could - highly recommend it on your missus 320d too.
No brand is 100% reliable (Lexus aren't far off though) but there's a lot to be said for a quality "feel" to a car. Everything in a BMW just feels solid, well thought out and well made. Same with Audis and some Mercs.
On the long list of bmw short comings you might want to add the carbon build up on the valves
27 January 2010, 01:08 PM
#155
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: cant spell WGAF
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yes it torque steers so do most 4wd cars
27 January 2010, 01:44 PM
#156
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree in a way Paul as I have drove an Astra VXR and it wasn't nowhere near as bad as Clarkson suggested. However, if you floor a 300bhp impreza/evo etc it won't pull at the steering wheel like the Focus RS.
I don't like the look of the RS but I do agree it seems a good car for what it is..... a fwd sports hatch. I just don't see the point in all this chasing bhp in fwd cars.
I don't like the look of the RS but I do agree it seems a good car for what it is..... a fwd sports hatch. I just don't see the point in all this chasing bhp in fwd cars.
27 January 2010, 01:59 PM
#157
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: cant spell WGAF
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah i can see your point in a way, my mate has a evo x 360 and says it torque steers worse than mine my scooby used to do it pretty badly and the RS dos if you use the power like a light switch strait on strait off
The looks are love it or hate it i think but thats what i love about it some people think WTF is that and others say nice RS
I think the RS will become one of them cars people think are pretty slow, heavy,fwd, and think its a easy target...bring it on
The looks are love it or hate it i think but thats what i love about it some people think WTF is that and others say nice RS
I think the RS will become one of them cars people think are pretty slow, heavy,fwd, and think its a easy target...bring it on
27 January 2010, 02:16 PM
#158
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jim - apparently that Astra was a pre production model and wasn't sorted - production ones are much better.
Torque steer isn't the end of the world - my Astra (only 150bhp by 235lbs/ft) torque steered a fair bit. It's understeer and scrabbling wheels I don't like.
The RS has won countless tests against all sorts - it's obviously very good but surely 300bhp is the realistic limit for a FWD car?
Torque steer isn't the end of the world - my Astra (only 150bhp by 235lbs/ft) torque steered a fair bit. It's understeer and scrabbling wheels I don't like.
The RS has won countless tests against all sorts - it's obviously very good but surely 300bhp is the realistic limit for a FWD car?
27 January 2010, 02:28 PM
#160
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They also said it when the 250bhp 147 GTA came out - THE worst modern torque steerer you can get. Although old Saab Turbos still win.
The Civic (197bhp) has naff all torque - 145lbs/ft - so doesn't really torque steer at all.
The Civic (197bhp) has naff all torque - 145lbs/ft - so doesn't really torque steer at all.
27 January 2010, 02:29 PM
#161
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Here, There, Everywhere
Posts: 10,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Personally, I think the future Hot Hatch market will be down graded slightly. The Days of 300BHP FWD Hatches is over now. Hence why Renault didn't chase the headline BHP figure with it's Megane. Will be smaller lighter Hot Hatches with approx 200bhp now.
Mini Cooper S
Renault RS200
Citreon DS3 R3
Polo GTI
Corsa VXR
Just need Ford to bring out a 200bhp Fiesta RS
Mini Cooper S
Renault RS200
Citreon DS3 R3
Polo GTI
Corsa VXR
Just need Ford to bring out a 200bhp Fiesta RS
27 January 2010, 02:31 PM
#162
Scooby Regular
I was thinking about that torque steer test that Clarkson did the other day. I was quite easily hammering my 300bhp ST up a long bumpy hill holding the steering wheel with one hand, and without ANY torque steer present at the time.
If you floor ANY powerful car from standstill without holding the steering wheel it will cause ill effects. RWD you will spin, AWD you could drift off/torque steer etc and FWD he demonstrated - it's such a ridiculous test that it counts for nothing.
The torque steer issue is just a none starter - I know some RS's seem to suffer more than others, same with the ST, but mine doesn't suffer from it and even if it did it wouldn't ruin the driving experience.
I think Clarkson is just confused as to how an LSD works.
If you floor ANY powerful car from standstill without holding the steering wheel it will cause ill effects. RWD you will spin, AWD you could drift off/torque steer etc and FWD he demonstrated - it's such a ridiculous test that it counts for nothing.
The torque steer issue is just a none starter - I know some RS's seem to suffer more than others, same with the ST, but mine doesn't suffer from it and even if it did it wouldn't ruin the driving experience.
I think Clarkson is just confused as to how an LSD works.
27 January 2010, 06:29 PM
#163
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: cant spell WGAF
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Personally, I think the future Hot Hatch market will be down graded slightly. The Days of 300BHP FWD Hatches is over now. Hence why Renault didn't chase the headline BHP figure with it's Megane. Will be smaller lighter Hot Hatches with approx 200bhp now.
Mini Cooper S
Renault RS200
Citreon DS3 R3
Polo GTI
Corsa VXR
Just need Ford to bring out a 200bhp Fiesta RS
Mini Cooper S
Renault RS200
Citreon DS3 R3
Polo GTI
Corsa VXR
Just need Ford to bring out a 200bhp Fiesta RS
27 January 2010, 09:21 PM
#164
Scooby Senior
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Slowly rebuilding the kit of bits into a car...
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm old, but Saab once stated that 225 bhp from the turbo rally car was "reaching the limits".... they'd be amazed at how road cars are doing 25 years later.
dunx
P.S. I got close to a white RS at the RS day at Nostell Priory, and wasn't put off.....shame about the "low rent" Transit callipers on the front tho'.
dunx
P.S. I got close to a white RS at the RS day at Nostell Priory, and wasn't put off.....shame about the "low rent" Transit callipers on the front tho'.
AP 6 Pots.....
28 January 2010, 01:22 PM
#169
Scooby Senior
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Slowly rebuilding the kit of bits into a car...
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Any fool can wave cash at the problem......
dunx
P.S. See Ian Godney has some six pot Porsche callipers on offer at £1500
dunx
P.S. See Ian Godney has some six pot Porsche callipers on offer at £1500
28 January 2010, 07:35 PM
#172
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Suffolk, very near Adnams !!
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
28 January 2010, 07:38 PM
#173
Scooby Senior
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Slowly rebuilding the kit of bits into a car...
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ask Ian Godney to whittle some brackets and bells....
Then cough up the readies !
I'd love some, but they're a bit rich for me.
dunx
Then cough up the readies !
I'd love some, but they're a bit rich for me.
dunx
29 January 2010, 01:19 PM
#175
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: In RS land......
Posts: 12,902
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
im pushing very close to getting the same treatment myself. Have pushed it a touch with, P/Coated wheels, SCC stage 1/Bluefin, painted rocker cover/Rad cover, Led Bulbs all over the place and NOW booked in next weekend for H & R springs.
29 January 2010, 04:27 PM
#176
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Here, There, Everywhere
Posts: 10,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You two need to grow a pair before you can get kicked in them. It's your money, spend it as you wish.
Should post up a pic of yourselves. We'll all see your lasses thumbs hovering over the top of your heads.
29 January 2010, 04:47 PM
#177
Scooby Regular
I take it you are not married stilover?
Just kidding, me and the Mrs have separate money/accounts for luxuries which really helps when it comes to modding cars, so much better being able to do stuff without asking permission. 
Just kidding, me and the Mrs have separate money/accounts for luxuries which really helps when it comes to modding cars, so much better being able to do stuff without asking permission.
29 January 2010, 05:58 PM
#178
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: cant spell WGAF
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah me to the wife and i have an understanding
i come home today and said i been to see a new van today , she said go and get it
if anything i get it to easy
my list is
RS tax disc holder
Powder coated wheels green inserts
Ford mud flaps (to protect body work)
D spec wheel nuts
carbon battry cover
K&N air fillter
Getting decat and rolling roaded next month
i come home today and said i been to see a new van today , she said go and get it
if anything i get it to easy
my list is
RS tax disc holder
Powder coated wheels green inserts
Ford mud flaps (to protect body work)
D spec wheel nuts
carbon battry cover
K&N air fillter
Getting decat and rolling roaded next month
31 January 2010, 10:34 AM
#179
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: 32 cylinders and many cats
Posts: 18,658
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
An impressively tuned 2.5 turbo is likely to have significant traction problems with an AWD drivetrain. At that level FWD is an irrelevance below 100mph, and above that these light weight FWD cars simply show that you need power rather than power to weight ratio to accelerate well.
