Puma 1.7 Millenium/Black vs. Focus 2.0 ESP 3dr

[peanutjb]

Basically as the title really, Im looking at Puma Milleniums and Focus ESP's and was wondering what your opinions are on the two.

Ill be owning it for a year, and practicality is not an issue. Will be looking to do a few tasteful modifications, mainly in optimising the chassis.

Im not too bothered about acceleration, more on how much fun they are on a lovely twisty road.

Current car is a 1.4 golf, so obviously anything is an improvement, but Ive driven a few focuses before (only up to 1.8s) and found them great fun!

Cheers

Peter

[mattyboy101]

Having owned an ESP and driven a Puma, I would say the Puma is better handling, with the FRP being even better (reputed to be one of the best handling FWD cars of all time).

It just depends on the practicalities, the ESP has a lot of room, which the Puma lacks - especially rear passenger room - and it has an odd boot.

Straight line the Focus will win outright, mine just had a K&N Panel filter and put out 142bhp/136lbft - and the extra torque was very handy for the motorway.

They are very different kettles of fish, drive both and make your decision is the best advice I can give.

[thekirbyfake]

Personally I can't stand the yellow of the Millenium Fords.

The Puma Black looks good though. Very impressive paintwork (i.e. not just black)

Driving wise the Puma, IMHO, is the better car and one you'll enjoy driving more.

[Podie]

peanutjb said:

Will be looking to do a few tasteful modifications, mainly in optimising the chassis.

I can't help but think that you're looking at the wrong cars then - both the Puma and Focus (at the time) were regarded as having the best chassis in their respective classes..

Wouldn't you be better looking for something that handles poorly?

[peanutjb]

Podie said:

peanutjb said: Will be looking to do a few tasteful modifications, mainly in optimising the chassis. I can't help but think that you're looking at the wrong cars then - both the Puma and Focus (at the time) were regarded as having the best chassis in their respective classes.. Wouldn't you be better looking for something that handles poorly?

There's always room for improvement, and Ive done the whole handles poorly game, and its no fun! Best to start off with something that is already a class leader!

Peter

[mattyboy101]

Don't know about the Puma, but for the Focus there are a wide range of suspension modifications available, e.g. lots of coilover options, Eibach ARB sets, bush kits etc etc

[DennisTheMenace]

Get the puma , you wont need to sod all to the chassis of the puma , its sweet enough as it is .

[thetruemackie]

The only think I'd recommend doing to the puma is fitting powerflex bushes, everything else is perfect.
Some people fit lowering springs to enhance the look but I've resisted as the standard setup is so good.

[dezza87]

Puma 100% you wont regret it at all.

[chaosss]

My dad had a puma and the few times I borrowed it I was impressed.

I run a Focus 2.0 as a daily hack and although its good for what it is I would pick the Puma every time.