Focus RS Mk 2 vs Sti
21 May 2013, 11:20 AM
#91
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I was only fussed about leather but likewise ended up with LUX2 (the sat nav sucks as most built in’s do but the reverse camera is quite handy), Leather and BT also. I find the leather fine tbh. Sure it’s not anywhere near a modern Audi / BMW interior but the standard cloth just looks too chav to me. Colour of the leather matches the dark plastic interior (less said about the light grey the better). Only thing I have noticed wear wise after 26k miles is the drivers side bolster nearest the door because of the depth you have to swing over and out when exiting the car so I just take a bit more care getting out these days. And of course that you can’t adjust the height on them.
Torquesteer is definitely there. I also fitted a torque mount and all that did is reduce axle tramp which is only present when breaking traction so only really an issue in the wet. Maybe less noticeable for you coming from a Mk1 and if the road is flat no real issue but like you say overlapping the cats eyes for an overtake or bumpy roads I would rather both hands on the wheel. I’m not sure if its due to the revoknuckle geometry and / or the low profile tyres but even at low speeds you can feel a slight pull on the tyres when traversing the larger cats eyes. Certainly don’t recall that in my Civic Type R.
The main selling point for me was the soundtrack which was what drew me to Scooby’s initially, then a type r for the VTEC (different kind of noise but nice none the less) and now the Volvo 5 pot. Add to that the turbo whoosh, chirps from the recirc valve (I uprated mine to the Forge one) and the pops from the exhaust it’s a bit of theatre and puts a smile on my face every day.
Torquesteer is definitely there. I also fitted a torque mount and all that did is reduce axle tramp which is only present when breaking traction so only really an issue in the wet. Maybe less noticeable for you coming from a Mk1 and if the road is flat no real issue but like you say overlapping the cats eyes for an overtake or bumpy roads I would rather both hands on the wheel. I’m not sure if its due to the revoknuckle geometry and / or the low profile tyres but even at low speeds you can feel a slight pull on the tyres when traversing the larger cats eyes. Certainly don’t recall that in my Civic Type R.
The main selling point for me was the soundtrack which was what drew me to Scooby’s initially, then a type r for the VTEC (different kind of noise but nice none the less) and now the Volvo 5 pot. Add to that the turbo whoosh, chirps from the recirc valve (I uprated mine to the Forge one) and the pops from the exhaust it’s a bit of theatre and puts a smile on my face every day.
Have you had 4 wheel allignment done on yours? as they were set up from factory so the tyres wear really badly from the inside out.... worth checking if it hasnt been done! I lost a set of tyres in 3k miles becuase of this!
yeah loved the sound! i had a milltek turbo back with decat on mine and a k&N Extreme which i took the box out loved the noise! and flames too! lol
21 May 2013, 11:37 AM
#92
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Well my dad is harder than your dad!! 
Throwing my 10p in now lol!! I owned a mk1 RS before my current 03 JDM sti. In short, I really didn't like it (except the looks and color). The mechanical diff seems extremely dated when compared to modern diffs and really didn't do a particularly good job of putting the power down, especially in the wet. 1st and 2nd gear are borderline useless on full chat on anything but dry Tarmac. The seating position is absolutely shocking, you sit stupidly high even having adjusted the seat to the lowest position (I'm exactly 6ft tall so pretty much the norm). It did handle very well in the dry though, and going along the twisties was quite satisfying........in the dry.
People will say they 'come alive' with a map, filter and full system, but what car doesn't? Plus more power means even more torque steer through a diff that struggles to handle the standard power levels, let alone another 40 odd bhp and a good lump of torque.
It did look fab though, plus you only need a few cheap exterior mods (st170 headlights, mudflaps and a front splitter) to make it look even better. Plus the standard stereo / speakers are pretty good.
Very very thin paint though, stone chips galore, especially on the front end and the rear arches (unless it has the paint protectors on it still).
Throwing my 10p in now lol!! I owned a mk1 RS before my current 03 JDM sti. In short, I really didn't like it (except the looks and color). The mechanical diff seems extremely dated when compared to modern diffs and really didn't do a particularly good job of putting the power down, especially in the wet. 1st and 2nd gear are borderline useless on full chat on anything but dry Tarmac. The seating position is absolutely shocking, you sit stupidly high even having adjusted the seat to the lowest position (I'm exactly 6ft tall so pretty much the norm). It did handle very well in the dry though, and going along the twisties was quite satisfying........in the dry.
People will say they 'come alive' with a map, filter and full system, but what car doesn't? Plus more power means even more torque steer through a diff that struggles to handle the standard power levels, let alone another 40 odd bhp and a good lump of torque.
It did look fab though, plus you only need a few cheap exterior mods (st170 headlights, mudflaps and a front splitter) to make it look even better. Plus the standard stereo / speakers are pretty good.
Very very thin paint though, stone chips galore, especially on the front end and the rear arches (unless it has the paint protectors on it still).
21 May 2013, 12:10 PM
#93
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Yeah, my dad has always had BMW's so i guess i was comparing the leather in the focus to that, which obviously was a mistake as i got my bolster leather replaced by a guy local to me at around 12k miles cause it just looked soo shoddy!
Have you had 4 wheel allignment done on yours? as they were set up from factory so the tyres wear really badly from the inside out.... worth checking if it hasnt been done! I lost a set of tyres in 3k miles becuase of this!
yeah loved the sound! i had a milltek turbo back with decat on mine and a k&N Extreme which i took the box out loved the noise! and flames too! lol
Have you had 4 wheel allignment done on yours? as they were set up from factory so the tyres wear really badly from the inside out.... worth checking if it hasnt been done! I lost a set of tyres in 3k miles becuase of this!
yeah loved the sound! i had a milltek turbo back with decat on mine and a k&N Extreme which i took the box out loved the noise! and flames too! lol
I have a mongoose catback only and that’s enough for me now. Already had Eibachs fitted and now Ive swapped my white wheels for a set of RS500’s which finish it off (mine if Frozen White). My warranty is up in Oct and mountune is a little pricey for what you get unless you have a warranty to keep intact. Will probably get a Revo Stg 1 map when I get it serviced and that will probably do me as not really wanting to spend more on uprated intercoolers, plenums etc. Famous last words I guess but I have other hobbies to fund.
You must be a lard *** to wear the bolsters out after 12k
Mine shows a few light rub marks where the leather rests on the metal bolster frame. Find the seats very comfy for what they are. Far better than the bucket seats in my FN2 type r.
21 May 2013, 02:05 PM
#94
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Why such a surprise? An extra turbo, an extra half a litre engine capacity and cost £10k more.
As for whether the E91 335d is faster I am not so sure. The 0-60 seem pretty similar which I would expect the BMW to be better at with RWD. After that with slightly less power and around 200kg extra weight I don’t see the hearse pulling away. If your on about track times then I think you will be surprised at how well the RS handles. It may torque steer but there is very little understeer for FWD.
As for whether the E91 335d is faster I am not so sure. The 0-60 seem pretty similar which I would expect the BMW to be better at with RWD. After that with slightly less power and around 200kg extra weight I don’t see the hearse pulling away. If your on about track times then I think you will be surprised at how well the RS handles. It may torque steer but there is very little understeer for FWD.
maybe next time
29 May 2013, 12:29 PM
#98
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2008 or 2011 hatch? I assume when you say stock it wasnt one of the many that came with a free 320R upgrade. And when you say pulled away - by a car length?
29 May 2013, 02:20 PM
#100
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Mines a 2009 with no kit on it so its completely standard. I woud say one car length. We didnt get to great speeds. May go to a run what you brung with him so a good result will come from that
I expect my runaround diesel Peugeot is quicker than my Sti, just doesn't feel it 
13 June 2013, 05:09 PM
#103
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I've had scoobs for the last 12 years,my current being a modified hawk sti.
I want a change and test drove the mk2 rs on sunday and loved it straight away,deposit put on and picking it up this weekend! My sti power delivery is no doubt sharper,it snaps your neck whereas the rs is a lot smoother making it "feel" slower but the car itself feels great to me.A lot more comfy drive and newer feel to it.
I know for a fact i will miss my scoob and the vortex
exhaust but the rs makes its own great noise too.
Each to there own i say both cars have there plus sides,i just hope i can live with the fwd
I want a change and test drove the mk2 rs on sunday and loved it straight away,deposit put on and picking it up this weekend! My sti power delivery is no doubt sharper,it snaps your neck whereas the rs is a lot smoother making it "feel" slower but the car itself feels great to me.A lot more comfy drive and newer feel to it.
I know for a fact i will miss my scoob and the vortex
exhaust but the rs makes its own great noise too.Each to there own i say both cars have there plus sides,i just hope i can live with the fwd
13 June 2013, 05:42 PM
#104
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I've had scoobs for the last 12 years,my current being a modified hawk sti.
I want a change and test drove the mk2 rs on sunday and loved it straight away,deposit put on and picking it up this weekend! My sti power delivery is no doubt sharper,it snaps your neck whereas the rs is a lot smoother making it "feel" slower but the car itself feels great to me.A lot more comfy drive and newer feel to it.
I know for a fact i will miss my scoob and the vortex exhaust but the rs makes its own great noise too.
Each to there own i say both cars have there plus sides,i just hope i can live with the fwd
I want a change and test drove the mk2 rs on sunday and loved it straight away,deposit put on and picking it up this weekend! My sti power delivery is no doubt sharper,it snaps your neck whereas the rs is a lot smoother making it "feel" slower but the car itself feels great to me.A lot more comfy drive and newer feel to it.
I know for a fact i will miss my scoob and the vortex
exhaust but the rs makes its own great noise too.Each to there own i say both cars have there plus sides,i just hope i can live with the fwd
13 June 2013, 05:46 PM
#105
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Already have mate
Just swapped insurance over with gary moulson and insured it modified before i do it to save messing about ha
Pricing up exhausts and filters now and dont even have it yet
Same user name as here
Just swapped insurance over with gary moulson and insured it modified before i do it to save messing about ha
Pricing up exhausts and filters now and dont even have it yet
Same user name as here
09 July 2013, 02:40 PM
#106
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i have had my foc rs mk 2 for bang on a year now now looking to modify it car is amazing in all aspects of driving, i sold my 400+ sti widetrack and haven't looked back, handles well, 3rd gear acceleration is immense and being a nice bright green car see you early and get the **** out the way ;-) next stop 425bhp revo mapped beast
09 July 2013, 02:48 PM
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i have had my foc rs mk 2 for bang on a year now now looking to modify it car is amazing in all aspects of driving, i sold my 400+ sti widetrack and haven't looked back, handles well, 3rd gear acceleration is immense and being a nice bright green car see you early and get the **** out the way ;-) next stop 425bhp revo mapped beast
09 July 2013, 02:53 PM
#108
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I was toying with a MY11 STi Hatch and kidded myself the piston woes of the MY08 were behind Subaru. Glad I saw sense and went RS as reading the engine failure thread in General the MY11 are now going pop too.
Went around Brands Indy in a mates Bluefin 400 mapped RS with the usual upgrades (injectors, inlet manifold, downpipe, sports cat, ap brakes & clutch etc). It was immense and there was not a lot other than a Hyabusa’d Caterham that was getting away and that was around the corners. Michelin Pilot Cup tyres helped as like glue but I was very impressed at the amount of grip and lack of any wheelspin with 400 horses through the fronts wheels.
Went around Brands Indy in a mates Bluefin 400 mapped RS with the usual upgrades (injectors, inlet manifold, downpipe, sports cat, ap brakes & clutch etc). It was immense and there was not a lot other than a Hyabusa’d Caterham that was getting away and that was around the corners. Michelin Pilot Cup tyres helped as like glue but I was very impressed at the amount of grip and lack of any wheelspin with 400 horses through the fronts wheels.
09 July 2013, 03:24 PM
#109
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i have had my foc rs mk 2 for bang on a year now now looking to modify it car is amazing in all aspects of driving, i sold my 400+ sti widetrack and haven't looked back, handles well, 3rd gear acceleration is immense and being a nice bright green car see you early and get the **** out the way ;-) next stop 425bhp revo mapped beast
I was toying with a MY11 STi Hatch and kidded myself the piston woes of the MY08 were behind Subaru. Glad I saw sense and went RS as reading the engine failure thread in General the MY11 are now going pop too.
Went around Brands Indy in a mates Bluefin 400 mapped RS with the usual upgrades (injectors, inlet manifold, downpipe, sports cat, ap brakes & clutch etc). It was immense and there was not a lot other than a Hyabusa’d Caterham that was getting away and that was around the corners. Michelin Pilot Cup tyres helped as like glue but I was very impressed at the amount of grip and lack of any wheelspin with 400 horses through the fronts wheels.
Went around Brands Indy in a mates Bluefin 400 mapped RS with the usual upgrades (injectors, inlet manifold, downpipe, sports cat, ap brakes & clutch etc). It was immense and there was not a lot other than a Hyabusa’d Caterham that was getting away and that was around the corners. Michelin Pilot Cup tyres helped as like glue but I was very impressed at the amount of grip and lack of any wheelspin with 400 horses through the fronts wheels.
09 July 2013, 04:02 PM
#110
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On the road - if so do you drive it like you stole it? They don’t come with much tread and are pretty poor when cold but come alive when you get some heat into them. They were actually my tyres I got when buying my RS (on a spare set of RS alloys) but I don’t track my car so sold them on. I used the more lowly Michy Supersports for road and they are far better than the OEM contisport 3’s.
09 July 2013, 04:24 PM
#112
the green rs that one a prize at nbo was a beautiful car.
they do look great close up in the green colour but the interior is still a bit cheap, not saying the imprezas is any better though.
the bodywork looks great,very wide and looks as it should.
the downside to me is the brakes, im sure they work well but some decent branded coloured calipers would finish the look off no end.
lovely looking car though and no doubt one of the best hot hatches available and given the choice of the rs and impreza hatch id take the rs all day long.
they do look great close up in the green colour but the interior is still a bit cheap, not saying the imprezas is any better though.
the bodywork looks great,very wide and looks as it should.
the downside to me is the brakes, im sure they work well but some decent branded coloured calipers would finish the look off no end.
lovely looking car though and no doubt one of the best hot hatches available and given the choice of the rs and impreza hatch id take the rs all day long.
09 July 2013, 04:31 PM
#113
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brakes are only good for a little blast here and there, be no good on a full track day... i over heated mine just going from one side of mk to the other! and its not a gradual thing either, one minute they work, the next, nothing!
09 July 2013, 04:49 PM
#115
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Ill have another one day... just want to wait till i can get a revo 425 with KW's and AP's for around 15k
09 July 2013, 05:12 PM
#116
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Nothing really performance wise. Just RS500 rims, Eibach Springs, Mongoose Catback, Forge Recirc and GGR torque mount. The GGR I am not that impressed with as get a lot of vibration at idle revs. Will swap it out for the elevate when I can be bothered. Warranty is up in Oct so I may go for Revo Stage 1 if funds allow.
09 July 2013, 05:15 PM
#118
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The plenum issue seemed to be blown out of proportion after a few earlier failures but most people going Stage 2 or above swap them anyway for piece of mind, better flow and better under bonnet aesthetics.
09 July 2013, 05:17 PM
#119
I like the look of the new rs, had a look around it as I said and a chat to the owner who was a really nice chap too.
say what I see that's me, lovely exterior apart from the brakes, not so great interior but I quite liked it really. deff the best hot hatch available at the moment
10 July 2013, 09:00 AM
#120
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Haha last time I was in MK most of the roundabouts didn't even have lane markings - mental.
Nothing really performance wise. Just RS500 rims, Eibach Springs, Mongoose Catback, Forge Recirc and GGR torque mount. The GGR I am not that impressed with as get a lot of vibration at idle revs. Will swap it out for the elevate when I can be bothered. Warranty is up in Oct so I may go for Revo Stage 1 if funds allow.
Nothing really performance wise. Just RS500 rims, Eibach Springs, Mongoose Catback, Forge Recirc and GGR torque mount. The GGR I am not that impressed with as get a lot of vibration at idle revs. Will swap it out for the elevate when I can be bothered. Warranty is up in Oct so I may go for Revo Stage 1 if funds allow.
I had the elevate mount on mine, have to say did notice a slight incrase in vibration in the cabin, but for the amount it helped puttign the power down on wet/greesey roads, it was worth it... loads more than i was expecting it to do!
What colour you go for? FW?