I've been reading the all the promotional stuff on the design of the 2013; how it tweaks the steering to compensate for torque steer; how its just like its European counterpart; etc etc. I'm the only owner of a 2005 Focus ST; its 100 HP less than the new one; it weighs about 500 lbs less than the new one; it has one less gear than the new on; its got almost 100,000 miles on it; gets 30 mpg on regular all the time; still looks shiny and new, inside and out. Over the years I've added front and rear strut braces, a Steeda cold air intake and urethane sway bar bushings. I've replaced the accessory drive belt, plugs and coolant once. Used synthetic oil for changes every 4,ooo miles or so.
I fully expected the new ST to blow my socks off. It didn't. Yup, it was way faster to 60 and handled beautifully. But way more fun to drive, not! And whats with that intake noise piped into the cabin through that plastic hose?
Bottom line for me is that the new ST is marginally better. If you're used to a non-performance oriented sedan, the 2013 ST will definitely impress and you'll look forward to driving it every day. Guess I'm spoiled by the 05 ST. I've owned two 5.0 Mustangs and a 97 Mustang Cobra ragtop. No other car has been as much fun as the 05 ST (and the ST is only one with which I've gotten speeding tickets!).
I research many product purchase decisions on this site but rarely if ever comment. Thought its time to share what I've learned.
I fully expected the new ST to blow my socks off. It didn't. Yup, it was way faster to 60 and handled beautifully. But way more fun to drive, not! And whats with that intake noise piped into the cabin through that plastic hose?
Bottom line for me is that the new ST is marginally better. If you're used to a non-performance oriented sedan, the 2013 ST will definitely impress and you'll look forward to driving it every day. Guess I'm spoiled by the 05 ST. I've owned two 5.0 Mustangs and a 97 Mustang Cobra ragtop. No other car has been as much fun as the 05 ST (and the ST is only one with which I've gotten speeding tickets!).
I research many product purchase decisions on this site but rarely if ever comment. Thought its time to share what I've learned.