Golf R or Focus RS

The Golf R will have the option to have a manual next year. It may be worth the wait so the bugs can get worked out.

 

These limited edition hot hatches don't seem to depreciate all that much, and I don't think these will be any different. Check out prices for used STIs to see what I mean.

I think if you want one, it is best to just buy a new one, so you know you are getting a car that hasn't been beaten to death by the PO.

 

I've driven a normal Focus and was pretty impressed by the driving dynamics and interior quality (though I didn't like the design of the infotainment/nav system). I've also driven a lot of VW products which drove very well, especially when you consider the segments they compete in (such as a 2000 Passat 1.8T).

If I were to buy either one this year, I'd have to go for the Focus RS because of the manual transmission. However, the Golf R will offer a stick later this year, so if you were willing to wait to buy it, it would be a great car as well.

The one thing I don't really like about the Golf R is that it doesn't really look very special. I mean sure, enthusiasts will know what it is, but unless you prefer understated performance it's not really gonna fit the bill there. The Focus RS, on the other hand, will most likely not be mistaken for a serious pocket rocket, but of course this would probably mean the police would be a little more likely to stop you.

So, I'd go with the RS, but I don't think you could really go wrong with either.

 

If people don't need/want the 4 wheel drive, there are going to be a ton of focus STs traded in for RSs that'll be cheap. I think they'll be one of the best fun used car deals around next year.

 

Hopefully ford will fix the severely overboosted brakes and put the throttle peddle not so far away. Those two flaws make heal and tow downshifts impossible, ruining one of the best reasons to drive a stick.

 

That's what my 17 year old is counting on!

 

The golf R looks to be as the english say a aserious pirece of Kit. From whatI read built as German cars used to be. The Rs I imagine may be a little lighter on its feet. Depends what you wnat it for. As a daily the Golf will probably be a more comfortable and rewarding experience and a used Golf is likely to be less abused..

40K is a lot of scratch for either, though used the Rs may be less than the golf. For that money I would try scarpe the xtra and get a Gt350r, good on street and will probably be great on track.

 

Thew R isn't a true AWD car. I think it is a FWD car most of the time with some torque sent to the rear as needed. That was my understanding of it.

 

was at the Ny show. Golf R was a nice car, not a 40k car though, for thta money a mustang Gt seems way more machine. Foucs Rs seemed really nice for alittle fast car. If its the same money as the Golf, then the golf is a more quality item,

 

How are you defining "true AWD"? There are plenty of 50/50 or 40/60 torque split AWD cars, or even 20/80 - try Audi, Audi, Audi, Porsche, etc. etc. I'd agree that the early generation Haldex systems aren't true AWD, more like FWD turning to AWD on demand - but generations of quattro cars are true AWD. Subaru manual trans AWD cars have been true AWD for a decade or two, while the automatic trans AWD cars were more like FWD with AWD on demand.

 

I don't mind what you said, but I'm interested in understanding it - if you don't feel there are any "true AWD" performance cars on the market, I'm interested to hear how you define "true AWD".

 

Mustang GT was mentioned. You can get a fully optioned Mustang GT for the same price or less than the Golf R or Focus RS. Very different car...but something I would consider if I was looking at new cars in the $40K range.

 

Love the irony in this post. Hahahha.

 

Come on, we're dying to know - what is your definition of "true AWD", and why don't performance oriented cars like the Audi S4, S5, RS5, R8, Subaru WRX and STI, Mitsubishi Evolution 8, qualify as "true AWD performance oriented cars"?

You made that claim, you've stated separately that you stand by it, so it would be most helpful if you would explain it, please.

 

Saw focus and golf today and i would take the focus based on looks. Will be very interesting to see how they drive.

 

Honestly, I think your statement was frankly ridiculous, and demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of how AWD works. I just want to hear how you can possibly justify such a nonsensical statement. I think it will be very amusing and entertaining to see what sort of nonsense you try to invent.

You could always just say you misunderstood and were mistaken, but I very much doubt you ever would... I think instead that you'll dodge and ignore the challenge, as you have been so far, to avoid embarrassing yourself further.