Focus Mk III ST vs MK II RS?

[Very Dave]

Hello folks, anyone out there done enough miles in both of these vehicles to give some opinion whether or not upgrading from the ST to a MkII RS would be a good move? Looking for a something a bit nippier and fun to drive.

Cheers!

[macky17]

Yes, it would deliver in those areas (if you don't mind a harder ride). Of course, "upgrading" to a mountune mk2 ST would be an improvement also...

[Ron240]

macky17 said:

Of course, "upgrading" to a mountune mk2 ST would be an improvement also...

Surely you mean Mountune Mk.3 ST because the OP already has a Mk.3
On the subject of "upgrading"....I have a 2015 ST3 but there is no way I would swap it for a Mk.2 RS. Sure it's more powerful and faster, but I would still see it as a backward step.
A Mk.3 RS would be an entirely different thing and a proper upgrade in all respects.

Edited by Ron240 on Saturday 27th February 14:08

[macky17]

Nope, I meant what I said. Half the price also.

If he can afford the mk3 RS then yes, of course.

[Ron240]

macky17 said:

Nope, I meant what I said.

But in no way can changing from a standard Mk.3 ST to a Mountune Mk.2 ST be considered an upgrade. It is most definitely a downgrade in anybody's book.....except maybe your own.

[macky17]

If you want comfort, equipment, economy, etc. then of course you're right. However, the op said nippier and more fun. By those criteria, a mk2 mp260 has a mk3 beaten on both counts - in my "book" or anyone else who's driven both. The fact the op asks the question says it all.

Edited by macky17 on Sunday 28th February 09:42

[Ron240]

I hear what you are saying....but given that the OP already has a Mk.3 ST and is considering changing for a Mk.2 RS(a car that currently costs £20k+), a Mountune upgrade would surely be staying with the Mk.3 and going MP275, not taking a backward step to a Mk.2 ST?

[macky17]

Agreed. I'm sure what he'd save keeping the car he has would pay for some quite transformative mods

[Scottish Greg]

I own both: mk3 ST3 and mk2 Focus RS.

ST is running stage2 (approx. 300bhp) and is quick but really struggles to get the power down well, even with good tyre's and on "sport mode".

RS is running stage5 (approx. 420bhp) and is a missile! You must remember the RS is no lightweight, but can handle its weight well. (I've upgraded to Koni shock absorbers and H&R springs). With a proper diff and the proper suspension the RS is great fun ...... oh and it comes with free 5 pot engine noises

Moving is NOT a step backwards as the two cars are totally different. It depends on what you want. Remember Jost Capito's dolphin and shark analogy? it still applies.

[macky17]

Scottish Greg said:

I own both: mk3 ST3 and mk2 Focus RS.

ST is running stage2 (approx. 300bhp) and is quick but really struggles to get the power down well, even with good tyre's and on "sport mode".

RS is running stage5 (approx. 420bhp) and is a missile! You must remember the RS is no lightweight, but can handle its weight well. (I've upgraded to Koni shock absorbers and H&R springs). With a proper diff and the proper suspension the RS is great fun ...... oh and it comes with free 5 pot engine noises

Moving is NOT a step backwards as the two cars are totally different. It depends on what you want. Remember Jost Capito's dolphin and shark analogy? it still applies.

This is why I suggested a mk2 ST. They put power down better than the mk3 ST (for some reason) and come with the same 5 pot noises a mk2 RS but at half the price. More comfortable daily driver than a mk2 RS also.

I sold my mk2 RS as it wasn't really suited to the day-to-day. What difference does that suspension set-up make to the ride?

[Scottish Greg]

macky17 said:

This is why I suggested a mk2 ST. They put power down better than the mk3 ST (for some reason) and come with the same 5 pot noises a mk2 RS but at half the price. More comfortable daily driver than a mk2 RS also.

I sold my mk2 RS as it wasn't really suited to the day-to-day. What difference does that suspension set-up make to the ride?

Having done long journeys South of the Border in my Mk2, I found it very comfortable.

I traded in a mk2 ST for the mk3. The old mk2 ST was running stage 2 as well, it struggled. Ate the clutch, wheels bearings, etc I find the mk3 a much nicer place to be and the 4 pot 2.0l Ecoboost engine is not bad. Sounds quite good with a full exhaust system on it as well.

Anywho, the Koni's take the harshness out of the suspension. They are not cheap and very popular now, but definitely worth it.

[RS157]

Where's the OP?!?!

[Very Dave]

RS157 said:

Where's the OP?!?!

Terribly sorry, back in! Thanks for your opinions folks, much appreciated.

Current vehicle is coming up for 3 years old and I'm leaning towards the Mountune MP275 upgrade, possibly sports cat and "sportier" exhaust. Biggest risk there is just being a straight line hero I guess as I'm not keen on modding the suspension at least right now.

Would dearly like to get the MKIII RS but can't justify the expense. Ho hum. I should disclose that I work for the company making all these vehicles and was lucky enough to drive one for 15 mins or so around some back roads. It's awesome, no two ways about it.

[macky17]

Very Dave said:

Terribly sorry, back in! Thanks for your opinions folks, much appreciated.

Current vehicle is coming up for 3 years old and I'm leaning towards the Mountune MP275 upgrade, possibly sports cat and "sportier" exhaust. Biggest risk there is just being a straight line hero I guess as I'm not keen on modding the suspension at least right now.

Would dearly like to get the MKIII RS but can't justify the expense. Ho hum. I should disclose that I work for the company making all these vehicles and was lucky enough to drive one for 15 mins or so around some back roads. It's awesome, no two ways about it.

Now you're going to have to tell us more... What interest me most is the ride quality on ste uk roads. The crashy ride is why I sold my mk2 RS as this would be a daily for me.

[oobster]

I went the other way - MK2 Focus RS to MK3 Focus ST (and now the MK3.5 ST).

I got rid of my RS primarily due to some issues that were proving difficult/time-consuming to resolve and I found at the time I was able to afford a brand-new Focus ST. I had owned the RS for around 6 months by the time I got rid of it.

If my RS hadn't had issues I genuinely believe I would still have it today, nearly 3 years later. Fantastic car, the noise, the power, the sense of occasion when you drive it, the looks you get (I had an Ultimate Green one). The only let-down with the RS was the interior, the MK3 interior is vastly superior to the MK2.

I now own a 2015 (facelifted) MK3 ST Estate with the Mountune MP275 kit on it, while it is no slouch it is nowhere near the level of enjoyment I had when driving the RS. At the moment I can't justify the £££ for a MK3 RS order.

My view - if you can get a good one, I mean a REALLY good one, then go for the MK2 RS.

[Very Dave]

macky17 said:

Now you're going to have to tell us more... What interest me most is the ride quality on ste uk roads. The crashy ride is why I sold my mk2 RS as this would be a daily for me.

Difficult to say with such a short test drive. Seemed compliant, agile, something like the current Fiesta ST perhaps. I didn't find it like a roller skate. But the way it put its power down...something else! The 4wd set up is remarkable. Looks like the first cars are on the way to the dealers too.