Jump to content

Comparo: Focus ST vs. VW GTI


Recommended Posts

They seem to be giving the GTI bonus points for being a basic stripper model (they like that there are no steering wheel mounted audio controls?). I can understand liking simplicity in things, but the market seems to have demonstrated that it likes the bells and whistles. The ST styling (interior and exterior) may be a bit much for some, but it is a sports model and a lot of those buyers expect that. I do think it would be worthwhile to consider offering the 2.0 EB as an option in the Titanium, with appropriate suspension and brake upgrades, for those looking for something more subtle.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

car is a hoot and dare I say it borders on TOO refined....

 

The GTI or the Focus ST (or both)?

 

I love the GTI myself, but "too refined" isn't an inaccurate description of the current Mk6 version. In fact, I don't think VW offers factory equipped summer performance tires on the 2013 model - a must on any true sports car!

Edited by aneekr
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Contrary to the article the rear seat of the Focus does fold flat. The rear seat bottom is forward hinged. You pull up on the back of the seat bottom and it moves upright down into the rear footwell behind the front seats. The headrests do have to be removed but the seat does fold flat. I discovered the hinges by accident while vacuuming and figured this out. I suppose if i read that section of the owners manual it would have explained that.

Edited by StangBang
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the ST had a Haldex Gen 4 AWD setup, I'd take it... Otherwise, my R32 is owns it. Sorry... It just does.

It's hard to believe with the power on tap that the next Focus RS won't have either Quaife LSD or AWD.

I think it will be nigh on essential with +300 hp on tap, the new Focus ST is squirrely enough in the dry..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

I was shocked at how much I liked the restyled Beetle when I saw it in person. I really liked the faux moonie style hubcap look wheels on it.

 

Funny how tastes differ. I can't stand the beetle, any of them. To me one of the most ridiculous looking vehicles made.

 

As for the ST, I don't really find the exterior to be boy racer at all. And I like the "busy" interior. I wish I could have waited for the ST, but needed a car last year.

 

I will have tough choice in a couple of years between the ST, new Mustang, or possible Fusion ST.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

I was shocked at how much I liked the restyled Beetle when I saw it in person. I really liked the faux moonie style hubcap look wheels on it.

 

VW did good with the new Beetle redesign. I really like that they got rid of that ridiculous fishbowl roofline and transformed it into having the classic more upright windshield with a more level forward roof. The atrocious old craplastic dash and interior is finally gone for something serious looking better related to a GTI. It no longer looks so much like Barbie's dream car, but rather more like the last Super Beetles.. More like a poor man's Porsche. The retro moon wheel caps are awesome.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Many of whom have never owned a VW for any amount of time.

 

We had an 07 GTI for less than a year. It had power windows that worked when they wanted to and an A/C compressor failure in the middle of summer that required us to wait for a compressor from Germany to repair it under warranty. That car was traded soon after. Anyway, i will never forget the evils of working at a Volkswagen dealer when everything they made from 1999 and up was sheer garbage with numerous repeat warranty failures simply because of cheap disposable parts designs. The cost of all those warranty parts and repairs could have been mitigated if they designed quality parts the first time. Skimp now pay later. Of course cars outside of the warranty period required owners to pay for the same repairs multiple times. Every one of my peeps with a VW of that era was cursing it to hell. I sure hope VW quality has come along better since then but i would never allow another one in my garage.

 

All i can say is none of our current and past brand new or like new Fords have had any serious quality issues other than a few nitpicking things here and there which seem normal and expected. I am not even having issues with MFT in the Focus which only had slight lag before the software update.

Edited by StangBang
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ive had 12 friends (many which I avoid now), that HAD VW's. I have never seen such an unreliable POS...and this is going back from 1999. We aren't talking about a button not working, or something minor, they had bigger items go wrong with them. There was one for a period which I was going to the dealership with her every weekend for 3 months because it was always something new. All but ONE learned from their mistake and went with something else when it was time to purchase another vehicle. Funny how some of the vehicles exhibited the same problems. 3 of their Passats had the interior molding around the doors, warp and fall off in a similar manner. ALL the Jettas interiors smelled like Burnt Crayons. The Passats had a moisture/moldy smell to the A/C, which 4 of them had to have consistantly looked it. 2 had turbo problems costing thousands. Urrgg I rather just not remember. It was such an annoyance having to go with them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The GTI or the Focus ST (or both)?

 

I love the GTI myself, but "too refined" isn't an inaccurate description of the current Mk6 version. In fact, I don't think VW offers factory equipped summer performance tires on the 2013 model - a must on any true sports car!

ST, pulls like a train but I wish there was a "HOLY CRAP" moment for $hits and giggles....
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...