Focus ST or Mondeo ST220?
Discussion
Thinking of regretably moving away from MX5 ownership at the end of this summer. In want of something a bit bigger / practical and a bit less raw for the daily commute.
Budget would be £7-8k and want something that won't cost the earth to run (MPG not really an issue as I can choose how often to drive!) - from a servicing and parts perspective.
The Mondeo ST220 seems to have a ridiculous amount of toys for the money and a shed load of space to throw dogs, shopping and flat-pack furniture in! Plus who would not want a 3 litre V6 under their right foot?
This was the forerunner until I heard a Focus ST the other day. I had a look at prices and now see that early cars are coming down in price a bit.
So which would be the better long-term purchase, considering I am hoping a family will be on the way in the near future?
What are the pitfalls of each and what should I look out for? Will I be disappointed in driving either having spent the last 4 years in a RWD roadster?
Budget would be £7-8k and want something that won't cost the earth to run (MPG not really an issue as I can choose how often to drive!) - from a servicing and parts perspective.
The Mondeo ST220 seems to have a ridiculous amount of toys for the money and a shed load of space to throw dogs, shopping and flat-pack furniture in! Plus who would not want a 3 litre V6 under their right foot?
This was the forerunner until I heard a Focus ST the other day. I had a look at prices and now see that early cars are coming down in price a bit.
So which would be the better long-term purchase, considering I am hoping a family will be on the way in the near future?
What are the pitfalls of each and what should I look out for? Will I be disappointed in driving either having spent the last 4 years in a RWD roadster?
Legend83 said:
Thinking of regretably moving away from MX5 ownership at the end of this summer. In want of something a bit bigger / practical and a bit less raw for the daily commute.
Budget would be £7-8k and want something that won't cost the earth to run (MPG not really an issue as I can choose how often to drive!) - from a servicing and parts perspective.
The Mondeo ST220 seems to have a ridiculous amount of toys for the money and a shed load of space to throw dogs, shopping and flat-pack furniture in! Plus who would not want a 3 litre V6 under their right foot?
This was the forerunner until I heard a Focus ST the other day. I had a look at prices and now see that early cars are coming down in price a bit.
So which would be the better long-term purchase, considering I am hoping a family will be on the way in the near future?
What are the pitfalls of each and what should I look out for? Will I be disappointed in driving either having spent the last 4 years in a RWD roadster?
I actually don't mind the look of the Mondeo, it's a bit fugly, but it sort of adds presence.Budget would be £7-8k and want something that won't cost the earth to run (MPG not really an issue as I can choose how often to drive!) - from a servicing and parts perspective.
The Mondeo ST220 seems to have a ridiculous amount of toys for the money and a shed load of space to throw dogs, shopping and flat-pack furniture in! Plus who would not want a 3 litre V6 under their right foot?
This was the forerunner until I heard a Focus ST the other day. I had a look at prices and now see that early cars are coming down in price a bit.
So which would be the better long-term purchase, considering I am hoping a family will be on the way in the near future?
What are the pitfalls of each and what should I look out for? Will I be disappointed in driving either having spent the last 4 years in a RWD roadster?
Honestly though I think both are likely to be a handling and drivers let down compared to the MX-5, although it does depend on your driving style somewhat and there is no denying both of the Fords will sound better and plant you in the seat a lot firmer.
Probably not dog friendly, but a more practical MX-5 would in my eyes be a Mazda RX-8.
For this budget I guess it would also be sensible too look at things like a Mazda 6 MPS, Alfa 156 and 147 GTA's and Impreza Turbo's.
Again non will have the handling balance of the MX-5, but some pack some healthy HP level, e.g. the Impreza if you look at STI's. Which I think would make them feel very very different.
If saloons appeal I'd also be tempted to look at x350 Jaguar's. V6 or V8's are well within budget.
300bhp/ton said:
For this budget I guess it would also be sensible too look at things like a Mazda 6 MPS, Alfa 156 and 147 GTA's and Impreza Turbo's.
Again non will have the handling balance of the MX-5, but some pack some healthy HP level, e.g. the Impreza if you look at STI's. Which I think would make them feel very very different.
If saloons appeal I'd also be tempted to look at x350 Jaguar's. V6 or V8's are well within budget.
Rubbish post as usual. He's asking Focus ST or Mondeo ST220. Not Subaru, Jag or some piece of crap Camaro.Again non will have the handling balance of the MX-5, but some pack some healthy HP level, e.g. the Impreza if you look at STI's. Which I think would make them feel very very different.
If saloons appeal I'd also be tempted to look at x350 Jaguar's. V6 or V8's are well within budget.
Back to reality, the ST220 with a decent exhaust will sound awesome, go very well, and be comfortable. You can also get longer loads in the back than will fit in a Combo van. For a young family I really can't think of a better car than the ST220.
HellDiver said:
300bhp/ton said:
For this budget I guess it would also be sensible too look at things like a Mazda 6 MPS, Alfa 156 and 147 GTA's and Impreza Turbo's.
Again non will have the handling balance of the MX-5, but some pack some healthy HP level, e.g. the Impreza if you look at STI's. Which I think would make them feel very very different.
If saloons appeal I'd also be tempted to look at x350 Jaguar's. V6 or V8's are well within budget.
Rubbish post as usual. He's asking Focus ST or Mondeo ST220. Not Subaru, Jag or some piece of crap Camaro.Again non will have the handling balance of the MX-5, but some pack some healthy HP level, e.g. the Impreza if you look at STI's. Which I think would make them feel very very different.
If saloons appeal I'd also be tempted to look at x350 Jaguar's. V6 or V8's are well within budget.
Having a grumpy day are we??
ST220 has wonderful poise. It won't feel a let down after an MX5 on road or track - just different. ST220 is also a world apart from ST24 and ST200. I've driven thousands of miles in them all.
But unless you need big-car practicality the Focus would be the better choice. Quick remap and it's job done.
As always, drive one before listening to the usual badge snobs.
But unless you need big-car practicality the Focus would be the better choice. Quick remap and it's job done.
As always, drive one before listening to the usual badge snobs.
Tonberry said:
I'd go for the Focus purely because it can be remapped (and taken further) with good results. With the Mondeo you'll be pretty much stuck with 220bhp without great expense.
I have the older ST24 and although the 220 is obviously quicker I fail to see how it can be THAT much quicker.
How quick is the ST24? Also isn't that the previous gen/shape Mondeo?I have the older ST24 and although the 220 is obviously quicker I fail to see how it can be THAT much quicker.
If you're going for cars of a similar age I'd go for the Focus ST without a doubt.
The Focus is a great car. Big enough to be practical, small enough for town parking and chucking round B-roads, quick-ish, comfortable and sonorous (personally I prefer the 5-pot to the Mondeo's V6...) It's a grown up hot hatch that still retains plenty of character.
As far as I can see the downsides are considerable thirst (which would be the same for the Mondeo, and you've said isn't a big issue anyway) and, because it's a new-ish car, depreciation (which I suspect would be even worse on a Mondeo of the same age).
The Focus is a great car. Big enough to be practical, small enough for town parking and chucking round B-roads, quick-ish, comfortable and sonorous (personally I prefer the 5-pot to the Mondeo's V6...) It's a grown up hot hatch that still retains plenty of character.
As far as I can see the downsides are considerable thirst (which would be the same for the Mondeo, and you've said isn't a big issue anyway) and, because it's a new-ish car, depreciation (which I suspect would be even worse on a Mondeo of the same age).
300bhp/ton said:
Legend83 said:
Thinking of regretably moving away from MX5 ownership at the end of this summer. In want of something a bit bigger / practical and a bit less raw for the daily commute.
Budget would be £7-8k and want something that won't cost the earth to run (MPG not really an issue as I can choose how often to drive!) - from a servicing and parts perspective.
The Mondeo ST220 seems to have a ridiculous amount of toys for the money and a shed load of space to throw dogs, shopping and flat-pack furniture in! Plus who would not want a 3 litre V6 under their right foot?
This was the forerunner until I heard a Focus ST the other day. I had a look at prices and now see that early cars are coming down in price a bit.
So which would be the better long-term purchase, considering I am hoping a family will be on the way in the near future?
What are the pitfalls of each and what should I look out for? Will I be disappointed in driving either having spent the last 4 years in a RWD roadster?
Probably not dog friendly, but a more practical MX-5 would in my eyes be a Mazda RX-8.Budget would be £7-8k and want something that won't cost the earth to run (MPG not really an issue as I can choose how often to drive!) - from a servicing and parts perspective.
The Mondeo ST220 seems to have a ridiculous amount of toys for the money and a shed load of space to throw dogs, shopping and flat-pack furniture in! Plus who would not want a 3 litre V6 under their right foot?
This was the forerunner until I heard a Focus ST the other day. I had a look at prices and now see that early cars are coming down in price a bit.
So which would be the better long-term purchase, considering I am hoping a family will be on the way in the near future?
What are the pitfalls of each and what should I look out for? Will I be disappointed in driving either having spent the last 4 years in a RWD roadster?
....
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2394724.htm
Ok, at that price, these have to be contenders! Great shout.
Guess I just need to be wary of dodgy CATS and under-oiled engines....
300bhp/ton said:
How quick is the ST24? Also isn't that the previous gen/shape Mondeo?
ST24 was standard Mk2 Mondeo 2.5 V6 (167bhp?) on lowered springs and Boge gas shocks. Nice mile muncher.ST220 is 220+bhp Mk3 Mondeo 3.0 V6 with mix of Ford and Jaguar X-Type front suspension. Much better car. Heavy on fuel, mind you.
Choice between the Mondeo or the Focus.
Mondeo wins.
Even though it is a decent size car, it is remarkably agile.
Far more agile that it aught to be.
Also, the Mondeo has more presence on the road.
I dare say, on a good run, both will return excellent mpg.
I expect the Mondeo to be far more 'sure footed' at speed than the Focus.
The Mondeo should survive a crash, far better than a Focus.
If it was me picking, then the Mondeo.
'vette
Mondeo wins.
Even though it is a decent size car, it is remarkably agile.
Far more agile that it aught to be.
Also, the Mondeo has more presence on the road.
I dare say, on a good run, both will return excellent mpg.
I expect the Mondeo to be far more 'sure footed' at speed than the Focus.
The Mondeo should survive a crash, far better than a Focus.
If it was me picking, then the Mondeo.
'vette
Spoonman said:
300bhp/ton said:
How quick is the ST24? Also isn't that the previous gen/shape Mondeo?
ST24 was standard Mk2 Mondeo 2.5 V6 (167bhp?) on lowered springs and Boge gas shocks. Nice mile muncher.ST220 is 220+bhp Mk3 Mondeo 3.0 V6 with mix of Ford and Jaguar X-Type front suspension. Much better car. Heavy on fuel, mind you.
Of the two, i'd go with the Focus. The 5-pot engine is a gem. Personally, I found the handling a bit remote but that is probably more a modern car criticism rather than specific to the focus.
The Mondeo drives very well but for me the performance doesn't quite justify the fuel economy.
Risking getting shot down in flames, as a road car, what about the Mondeo ST tdci? That seemed to go rather better than it should.
The Mondeo drives very well but for me the performance doesn't quite justify the fuel economy.
Risking getting shot down in flames, as a road car, what about the Mondeo ST tdci? That seemed to go rather better than it should.
sday12 said:
Mk3 Mondeo V6 was called Zetec S V6, with same engine as Mk2 IIRC, and yes, the ST 220 is much quicker.
Mk3 was available with 2.5 or 3.0 V6 but only the ST220 had revised inlets and 220-odd brake. There was a three-litre Zetec S (a good choice, if you can find one, but the underpinnings are stock Mondeo) with just over 200bhp, if I remember correctly.When I finally get round to getting a new car I have the same dilemma, I think the Mondeo gets slightly better MPG, and that V6 sounds amazing. There's not as many ST220's on the road either if that matters to you.
I'd go for the Mondeo, the interior feels much more classier than the ST-3 that I sat in.
I'd go for the Mondeo, the interior feels much more classier than the ST-3 that I sat in.
Ok, the Mondeo and ST are still definitely on the list of potentials but I am also now looking at the RX8 on the basis I can get one for not much more than I expect to recoup for my MX5!
Don't think this happens often, so:
Nice one 300 BHP!
Don't think this happens often, so:
Nice one 300 BHP!
Edited by Legend83 on Monday 17th January 10:29
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