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Focus SVT vs Focus ST: Who has switched to ST, or chose not to switch?

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SVTKarma

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello,

Does anyone have comments, pro or con, about the 2002-04 SVT's compared to the 2013-14 Focus ST?

From my experience, they are totally different cars. I keep trying to talk myself into getting the ST, but every time I drive my SVT's, I change my mind.

I would love to hear opinions from other people, including anyone who has made the switch, or anyone who chose not to make the switch.

Thanks.
 
#2 ·
The correct answer is both.

I think you are on the right track, they are 2 totally different beasts. Have you driven an ST yet?
 
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#3 ·
Well if I were in your boat and had two SVTs I'd trade one in for an ST and get the best of both worlds.
 
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#4 ·
The ST is a good car, it is built very well, but it is incredibly big and bulky compared to the SVT. So I dunno, your call really. I like my MK1 Focus much more than any newer focus.
 
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#5 ·
You want to keep a bit of a classic I'd keep the SVT but if you want to beat the SVT all around then upgrade. If you could do it keep the SVT and buy an ST eventually. Both are cool cars.
 
#6 ·
You probably feel very connected to the SVT.

On the other side of the coin, the ST has many electronic driving aids which would make the driving experience artificial by comparison.
 
#7 ·
That's very true as was the case with my Type R but the FoST and FiST are a couple of the first fwd cars I've seen compared to the handling of a Type R with their willingness to get the car to rotate thru corners instead of the cliche understeer that accompanies most front wheel drivers. Too bad it couldn't be done with less electronic nannies but the FiST is supposed to have a less artificial drive feel than the Focus ST.
 
#8 ·
I test drove the ST a few times when I was upgrading. Few things I found:

The SVT is a really high-energy type car. Whenever I was at the track in my SVT, I felt like the car was a hyperactive go-cart. It felt responsive, nimble, high-strung, and dare I say "savage". Most importantly though, it was FUN.

The ST on the other hand felt more reserved. Dont get me wrong, it was alot of fun to drive too, but just didnt quite manage to put as big a smile on my face as the SVT did.

So the question you need to ask yourself is what you want more: speed or fun.


I chose option 3. scooby.



Edit: I should note that I drove a Fiesta ST, and loved it. If ford offered a 3dr Fiesta ST here in the states, I would drop my subaru in an instant.
 
#9 ·
My Eclipse was a bit of a savage ride and about a half second quicker in the 1/4 mile than my STI but the Subi is so much more composed and much less drama when launching it. The Eclipse was more fun at the strip tho'.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
I recently test drove a a FiST and really wrung it out. Salesman was ashen when done. Great power and handling, but small car, low head clearance, and, IMO, inferior interior and ergonomics to SVT Focus EAP. Later in the day, when I got into my SVT, I felt more connected to the road and much happier with EAP recaro's than FiST Recaro's. Plus, the low center console/tunnel of the SVT makes a roomier interior. I drove to the dealer ready to write a check for the FiSt, but I could not pull the trigger. it was loaded, Molten Orange. Now thinking of Focus ST, but want to hear other viewpoints.
 
#11 ·
I love the interior of the MK1 focus. So much that Id argue it is one of the best interiors that the compact car market has ever seen. It's simple, classy, and has held up to the test of time better than any other car ive seen.

Considering that the design is over 15 years old, and STILL looks better than most new cars, its an impressive achievement.

Good luck topping that.
 
#12 ·
When ST was coming out I was set on buying it, but then I drove it, and then again, and decided to keep my SVT. ST is not bad or ugly in any way, but I just like the feel of the SVT, the driving characteristics, I like the interior styling and small package chassis look.
Decided to keep SVT, get RX8 as rear wheel fun car, and buy new Kia Optima as family hauler.
 
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Discussion starter · #14 ·
I completely agree with Christ_HT above: he summed up the SVT experience. I like Ford, and the arrival of a 250 hp Focus got my attention, and the Fiesta ST. As mentioned above by me, however, the FiST didn't match my SVT for overall experience, . . . just a subjective viewpoint.

But the Focus ST, however, with 3223 pounds is quite a bit heavier than my SVT 2800 pounds. The 252 HP is great, but, combined with the greater weight, gives it "muscle car" characteristics, as some reviewers have described.

I have two Shelby Mustang GT 500's--a 2010 and a 2012. The car I most love to drive on country roads or tight city driving, though, is the Focus.

I try and try to detach myself from the SVT's and move on to other models, which is why I started to this thread. I want to hear from people who made the switch to new Focus or Fiesta ST's.

And other than the FoST or FiST, there is not anything else I would be interested in. Plus, my SVT's are all stock except for CAI, and Eibach stabilizers and Steeda short throw on one SVT.
 
#15 ·
The manufactor have to go thru all kinds of crash test standards now vs earlier yrs= hence the weight. Of course they aren't going w/ c/f, alloy as its to cost prohibitive for a mass produced car. Two Shelby's , awesome. Look at the iron block in the '10 vs the alloy block in the the '12. Crash test standards change what manufactor can & can't do for crushablity. Look at the trunk opening of the '05-'09 mustang/shelby's vs the +'10 models. I like the svt's & the new st's. Great that Ford gives ppl the choice of two ST's. It'd be great if they at least had a lsd & bbk option aka track pack option.
 
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#16 ·
The SVT Focus is a MK1 Focus ST...

Sounds like the OP would really like a Fiesta ST, or his SVT with a JRSC.
 
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Discussion starter · #19 ·
Returning to where I began in this thread, . . . what am I gaining in selling excellent condition SVT for new FoSt?

IMO, FoST interior is more jammed, center tunnel console is intrusive, steering is excellent but not as good as gold-standard SVT, Mytouch is quirky, and I prefer the SVT switches and gauges,

The FoST is a technology modern car, . . . assisted steering, torque vectoring, etc. Plus the 252hp. I guess I'm old school--the SVT is not as fast as the new FoST, but the sweet cabin and car/driver engagement of the SVT just hits all the right buttons. I have GT 500's in the garage, but for any suburban/city driving or winding roads, the SVT is mr ride of choice. It's always fun, even a run to the grocery store for milk and eggs.

But I still want to hear from an owner who switched from SVT to FoST or even FiST. Thanks.
 
#20 ·
I have not 'switched' per say, but I did as many recommended. I sold my '03 DD SVT, have an '04 SVT sitting in the garage and bought a '14 FoST to be the new DD.

The SVT is a great car for all the reasons you listed above.
The ST is a great car too. Plenty of power, plenty of tech. But I would agree I don't feel as connected as I do in the SVT. I have not had the opportunity to push it too hard yet, but I know it will run circles around the SVT's.

The reason I sold the SVT is they are getting old. Period. I wanted something new and exciting I can jump in anytime and guarantee it will start and drive across country if I asked it to. On the other side of the coin, I still have an SVT and can enjoy all of its quirks too.

You and I were in a unique situation, both owning 2 SVT's. I LOVE the ST, but its not an 'equal' replacement to the SVT. They are both fun in their own regard. The biggest question is do you want to keep spending money to maintain a 10+ year old car or put payments into a new one?
 
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felixthecat
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