Which Ford Focus for autocross
 

I want to upgrade to a ford focus for autocross. I have previously driven a miata and now run a Saturn SC. But the saturn does not qualify for STF which is the class i want to run in. So I think i would like to get a ford focus, but there are so many ford focus makes and it has been made for so many years and many engine choices. I would like to know what would be the BEST year and model focus an autocrosser would want, and if that choice is unatainable would would be the second choice. What i mean is that a miata has the 94R and honda has the s2000 CR. Does the ford focus has that best make and model year for autocross. Any suggestions would be helpful, i am also researching them myself right now.

ya... 02-04 Focus SVT, since it comes upgraded power and suspension (great handling) compared to regular ones.

SVT 02'-04' or a ST 05'-07' if your trying to stay in a stock class? The ST will have way more TQ down low and everywhere, and the SVT will have great handling for stock. The consensus will probably lean towards the SVT.

That's great,thanks for the quick responses, I am liking the focus more and more, and it has much more aftermarket support then the saturn too. Only thing is i will have to change the bolt pattern to 4x100 to fit the 6ul 15x7.5" rims, which is not a big deal. I already found a couple svt 02 in my area for around 4800$ which is reasonable i think. I hope that the svt has a good alignment range, i love my saturn because i can set the camber to -4 degrees and everything in between.

You'll find the SVT has much better handling right out of the box than that Saturn has. Handling is the SVT's forte.

gievn that you are in Canada you only have 2 options the SVT or the ST sedan. if you want to import you can find 2.3L pzev hatchbacks. the 2.3 hatch is a bit lighter, better gearing, better torque, but you lose out on peak HP (but maybe not in STF spec) lose the big brakes.

there is no adjustable camber on any FOcus, but in STF you can run camber plates.

also, what autox club are you in? I run all the events with the UBCSCC

Remember, everyone, that he plans on building the car for STF. Sure the SVT is great right out of the box, but once you start slapping coilovers, swaybars, etc. they basically become the same car chassis-wise. The SVT does have bigger brakes, but brakes are upgradable in STF as well. So if you're going to build the car to STF specs, get the car that has the best powertrain. The SVT has really good pull between 4500-7000 RPM, but it's only a 2.0 liter with unusually tall first and second gear, which making any low-end grunt basically non-existent. Getting a 2.3 liter ZX3 might actually be the way to go. It would be better on slower, tighter courses for sure, with the SVT having the advantage on the more long legged courses.

Try to get one that's good for an autocross car. And by good, I mean without a sunroof and winter package (w/ traction control). Though the traction control can be tuned out (kinda) in STF, if you want it being in BC and all.

thanks a lot for all the info. Usually I am at vcmc, but this year I all try UBCSCC too. I am planning on getting another car at the start of next year

^wise words

Don't totally discount the 2.0 ZX3 either, that's what I was originally shopping for when a mint 02 SVT kinda fell in my lap at a price I couldn't pass up. While the SVT wins the power battle, the ZX3 will win the weight battle. I think any of the Focii can be competitive in STF, each of them will have their own special strengths.

If you are building the car for autocross only i'd definitely go with the 2.3 duratec zx3. the down low grunt is extremely important in an STF car.. the SVT will have it's courses but for the most part i think the 2.3 will have the advantage.
and if i'm not mistaken the 2.3 zx3 is lighter (in stock form) than an SVT. better starting point IMO.