Ford RS V Audi RS
Discussion
RS3 owner here - have a look for one of the Readers Cars threads on the two I ve had.
The Focus RS and RS3 are aimed at different markets. IMO the RS3 s capabilities are better understood as a mini RS6 than as a pumped up hot hatch.
Obviously this one isn t a saloon, but nor is any Focus RS
The Focus RS and RS3 are aimed at different markets. IMO the RS3 s capabilities are better understood as a mini RS6 than as a pumped up hot hatch.
Obviously this one isn t a saloon, but nor is any Focus RS
Mk3 Focus RS was my dream car at one stage. Put a deposit on an Mountune 370 car and sorted all the finance. Took it a proper test drive and it broke my heart.
Really advise a test drive on one as it was very different to I expected based on reviews.
The RS3 is brilliant and you know exactly what you are getting.
Really advise a test drive on one as it was very different to I expected based on reviews.
The RS3 is brilliant and you know exactly what you are getting.
Hard to look past that 5 pot really.
Focus negatives when i researched them were harsh ride quality, high seating position and the engine problems. These are all fairly easily rectified from what i have read though and it would seem to be a car that comes alive when being driven hard.
Best to take a drive really to make your own mind up rather than just reading reviews as some love them and others not.
Focus negatives when i researched them were harsh ride quality, high seating position and the engine problems. These are all fairly easily rectified from what i have read though and it would seem to be a car that comes alive when being driven hard.
Best to take a drive really to make your own mind up rather than just reading reviews as some love them and others not.
The Cardinal said:
RS3 owner here - have a look for one of the Readers Cars threads on the two I ve had.
Thanks for the reply. I read your Readers Car thread on the blue RS3, and it seems like a great car. Though for insurance and warranty reasons I'd probably prefer an unmodified car. My wife had a Leon Cupra R ABT, and the performance and spec of that car is really the minimum I'd like from an RS3, but with a better noise obviously. I'm assuming that the RS3 engine with the alloy block feels stronger, and perhaps is cheaper to tax with the extra filter in the exhaust? I'd also like a car that's done under 40k miles, though having said all that, if a car like your blue one turned up I'd have to consider it.Belle427 said:
Hard to look past that 5 pot really.
Focus negatives when i researched them were harsh ride quality, high seating position and the engine problems. These are all fairly easily rectified from what i have read though and it would seem to be a car that comes alive when being driven hard.
Best to take a drive really to make your own mind up rather than just reading reviews as some love them and others not.
Good points, if I don't find an RS3 I want to buy after a few weeks, I'll look at the Focus RS.Focus negatives when i researched them were harsh ride quality, high seating position and the engine problems. These are all fairly easily rectified from what i have read though and it would seem to be a car that comes alive when being driven hard.
Best to take a drive really to make your own mind up rather than just reading reviews as some love them and others not.
Ive got both on my drive (albeit for a short time).
They are very different cars for very different use cases.
The RS3 is much more refined, comfortable and easy to drive. It doesn't require a high level of connection/attention. It is classed as a "hyper" hatch obviously but it that isn't the idea of the car for me. It does feel nose heavy under load and the steering is heavier and less natural and certainly less communicative than the focus but that is what makes it very easy and relaxing to drive.
The Focus on the other hand, can commute, can travel cross country but its ALIVE. It is constantly pushing feedback through the tyres, the chassis, to your fingertips. Its light, darty and precise steering wise. Which makes it feel less composed on motorways and more tiresome. It isn't relaxing the same way as the RS.
That all comes to life on a B-Road though. The RS3 is capable, ballistically fast, composed but lacks drama other than the engine note. Which is fine if you want it to be that comfier more sensible car. The Focus is sharp, dialled, playful. The nose is keen to turn in, the rear is keen to come into play. Its exciting and visceral in a way that the Audi isn't - but that is the point.
It gets tiring being "on-it" or feeling like you have to be all the time. So the RS3 gives you a bit of a hooligan when you want it but its more adept at calming things down and being an Audi the rest of the 98% of the time. Where the focus is always stiff, always communicative, always wanting to go out hard.
At least thats how i compare them. Both good cars. I've done alot of miles in the Focus so its a car that eggs me to go for a drive. - don't get that same feeling from the Audi in the short period i've had it. But i do feel far more relaxed and like its easier to use. Not sure that is a good thing. Yet to find the car that does both equally well if i'm honest - dont think it exists.
They are very different cars for very different use cases.
The RS3 is much more refined, comfortable and easy to drive. It doesn't require a high level of connection/attention. It is classed as a "hyper" hatch obviously but it that isn't the idea of the car for me. It does feel nose heavy under load and the steering is heavier and less natural and certainly less communicative than the focus but that is what makes it very easy and relaxing to drive.
The Focus on the other hand, can commute, can travel cross country but its ALIVE. It is constantly pushing feedback through the tyres, the chassis, to your fingertips. Its light, darty and precise steering wise. Which makes it feel less composed on motorways and more tiresome. It isn't relaxing the same way as the RS.
That all comes to life on a B-Road though. The RS3 is capable, ballistically fast, composed but lacks drama other than the engine note. Which is fine if you want it to be that comfier more sensible car. The Focus is sharp, dialled, playful. The nose is keen to turn in, the rear is keen to come into play. Its exciting and visceral in a way that the Audi isn't - but that is the point.
It gets tiring being "on-it" or feeling like you have to be all the time. So the RS3 gives you a bit of a hooligan when you want it but its more adept at calming things down and being an Audi the rest of the 98% of the time. Where the focus is always stiff, always communicative, always wanting to go out hard.
At least thats how i compare them. Both good cars. I've done alot of miles in the Focus so its a car that eggs me to go for a drive. - don't get that same feeling from the Audi in the short period i've had it. But i do feel far more relaxed and like its easier to use. Not sure that is a good thing. Yet to find the car that does both equally well if i'm honest - dont think it exists.
CG2020UK said:
If you want the hooliganism of the RS and refinement of the RS3 highly recommend a look at an OG M2.
Stick some winter tyres on it and no issues with the weather assuming that is what the AWD is for.
TBH I can't be bothered with winter tyres, and with plenty of power awd isn't just for winter. What is the X Drive like on BMW's?Stick some winter tyres on it and no issues with the weather assuming that is what the AWD is for.
stevekoz said:
Ive got both on my drive (albeit for a short time).
They are very different cars for very different use cases.
The RS3 is much more refined, comfortable and easy to drive. It doesn't require a high level of connection/attention. It is classed as a "hyper" hatch obviously but it that isn't the idea of the car for me. It does feel nose heavy under load and the steering is heavier and less natural and certainly less communicative than the focus but that is what makes it very easy and relaxing to drive.
The Focus on the other hand, can commute, can travel cross country but its ALIVE. It is constantly pushing feedback through the tyres, the chassis, to your fingertips. Its light, darty and precise steering wise. Which makes it feel less composed on motorways and more tiresome. It isn't relaxing the same way as the RS.
That all comes to life on a B-Road though. The RS3 is capable, ballistically fast, composed but lacks drama other than the engine note. Which is fine if you want it to be that comfier more sensible car. The Focus is sharp, dialled, playful. The nose is keen to turn in, the rear is keen to come into play. Its exciting and visceral in a way that the Audi isn't - but that is the point.
It gets tiring being "on-it" or feeling like you have to be all the time. So the RS3 gives you a bit of a hooligan when you want it but its more adept at calming things down and being an Audi the rest of the 98% of the time. Where the focus is always stiff, always communicative, always wanting to go out hard.
At least thats how i compare them. Both good cars. I've done alot of miles in the Focus so its a car that eggs me to go for a drive. - don't get that same feeling from the Audi in the short period i've had it. But i do feel far more relaxed and like its easier to use. Not sure that is a good thing. Yet to find the car that does both equally well if i'm honest - dont think it exists.
Haven’t got anything useful to add other than, cracking write up!They are very different cars for very different use cases.
The RS3 is much more refined, comfortable and easy to drive. It doesn't require a high level of connection/attention. It is classed as a "hyper" hatch obviously but it that isn't the idea of the car for me. It does feel nose heavy under load and the steering is heavier and less natural and certainly less communicative than the focus but that is what makes it very easy and relaxing to drive.
The Focus on the other hand, can commute, can travel cross country but its ALIVE. It is constantly pushing feedback through the tyres, the chassis, to your fingertips. Its light, darty and precise steering wise. Which makes it feel less composed on motorways and more tiresome. It isn't relaxing the same way as the RS.
That all comes to life on a B-Road though. The RS3 is capable, ballistically fast, composed but lacks drama other than the engine note. Which is fine if you want it to be that comfier more sensible car. The Focus is sharp, dialled, playful. The nose is keen to turn in, the rear is keen to come into play. Its exciting and visceral in a way that the Audi isn't - but that is the point.
It gets tiring being "on-it" or feeling like you have to be all the time. So the RS3 gives you a bit of a hooligan when you want it but its more adept at calming things down and being an Audi the rest of the 98% of the time. Where the focus is always stiff, always communicative, always wanting to go out hard.
At least thats how i compare them. Both good cars. I've done alot of miles in the Focus so its a car that eggs me to go for a drive. - don't get that same feeling from the Audi in the short period i've had it. But i do feel far more relaxed and like its easier to use. Not sure that is a good thing. Yet to find the car that does both equally well if i'm honest - dont think it exists.
RSstuff said:
TBH I can't be bothered with winter tyres, and with plenty of power awd isn't just for winter. What is the X Drive like on BMW's?
Unfortunately you don’t get X drive systems unless buying the latest M cars so you’d be significantly upping the budget. Overall they are all different depending on model and focus of car but Xdrive is better than the Haldex system in the VW group in my opinion.
M240i with Xdrive is quite good and worth a look.
Also Mercedes A45 S would be a very strong contender and sub £30k now.
The FRS is great when it’s being a drivers car, but a bit nasty when it comes to a daily.
I have a Mk8 Golf R on order, but did think about getting an RS3 instead as there’s plenty of stock cars out there, but quite a few people who had experience of both said that the R makes a much better daily.
I’m more into a good daily that has ability as well, rather than a car that’s great on the performance front, but is a bit too hardcore when it comes to the daily duties.
We’re not all the same, though
I have a Mk8 Golf R on order, but did think about getting an RS3 instead as there’s plenty of stock cars out there, but quite a few people who had experience of both said that the R makes a much better daily.
I’m more into a good daily that has ability as well, rather than a car that’s great on the performance front, but is a bit too hardcore when it comes to the daily duties.
We’re not all the same, though
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