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?

 

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.

 

There is no trade one for an ST. Its more like a Sell one for top dollar and pony up another twenty grand. I just paid 20% what a new nicely equipped ST for a nice SVT. You are comparing dimes with dollars.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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'.

 

wat?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Are you looking for something new & different? What mods are on your svt?

 

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.

 

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.

 

The SVT Focus is a MK1 Focus ST...

Sounds like the OP would really like a Fiesta ST, or his SVT with a JRSC.

 

I my self would keep one svt, sell the other and buy a fiesta st.

 

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.

 

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?

 

Really well said about the SVT and the FoST. Age does take a toll and new car warranty is appealing. I'm driving my yellow SVT from Wash, DC to Seattle in three weeks, and I can't wait. The toughest part of SVT ownership for me has been trying to explain what it is and why I like it so much. If I said I was driving a Maserati, no one would say anything or question anything. The brand is all that matters to the unienlightened. I'm a proud SVT focus guy and still searching for more SVT ZX-5's to add to the stable.

 

We have both, actually we have three, Zx3, SVT and ST. Each has it's own character and fun factor.

ZX3-Race car
SVT-stanced car
ST-Daily

 

Yup! Gotta chime in too! I've got both ... the '04 SVT and the '13 ST. Had the ST since 12/12 and only put 5700 miles on her. But then there is the SVT with 313,300 miles on her and still going strong.

 

I would probably switch to an ST if we got the wagon in the US, as having a bit more cargo (and back seat?) space to accommodate all the crap that comes with having two small kids is the ONLY reason I'd consider saying goodbye to the SVT at this point (assuming, of course, that a FoST wagon would provide equivalent or superior performance/exhilaration).

That and the fact that, in spite of loving both test drives I've had in an FoST, as soon as I hop back in the SVT I like it even better than before.

But from all that I've read and watched - and from the way it looks - I suspect that the FIESTA ST would be the one to win my heart...

 

That and the fact that, in spite of loving both test drives I've had in an FoST, as soon as I hop back in the SVT I like it even better than before.

I have noticed this on several occasions now, I have been thinking of replacing my SVT for an ST for a while now, haven't test drove one yet, since I am a little anti dealership I am waiting for them used.

Anyways, I have noticed a few occasions now how people have commented they still like how their SVT drives and really appreciate it more after test driving a ST. I am guessing it's the driving feel and weight difference? I'm on the fence of putting a turbo and new paint on my SVT or just getting a ST, so further input is appreciated.

It Just kills me to put that much money into a car and get virtually no increase in value (referring possibly adding new paint/turbo for SVT I have now). But then again, if I painted and put a turbo system in it, i'd force myself to keep it 10 years to justify the investment. Haha i can't make up my mind[?|]

 

Travis, also in Reston area, has owned several SVTF's, NA and FI, and went to a ST3 2013. He is currently selling his ST3 to return to a SVTF.

 

Wow, Is that because of job/money issues? I haven't read anyone switching back to a svt from a st before.

 

For what it's worth, . . . I had long, aggressive test drive in FiST. Then drove our family van to where I keep the SVT's and drove it for fresh comparison. As stated earlier by me, I liked the SVT much better and my 6 year old twins love the back seat in the 4-door SVT.

Guess I'm crazy but I would pay current FiST or FoST price for brand new SVT ZX-5 Euro. Just dreaming.

Also, prices for used ZX-5 SVT are strong, in good condition. I'm helping friend find a SVT and it is not easy. And helping another find a 2004 Audi TT and there are many of these, in price range of 2004 SVT ZX-5. The TT was a $34-39k car.

The FiST really handles well and has great power, especially mid/upper-range where the SVT begins to weaken. However, I like the end torque of SVT better, and a pair of Eibach stabilizers gives SVT similar cornering to FiSt.

I haven't driven a FoST yet, but have read and viewed everything on the web.

Thanks for all the comments.

 

There are some excellent points in this thread. I have driven the FoST and loved it but it does not have the feel of my 02SVTF. I also own two G1 Lightnings and often get asked why I'm not driving a newer 'more dependable' vehicle.

I guess as I got older car payments seem like a huge waste of monthly income. I would rather have to spend some time and effort to fix something once in while and get the satisfaction of that, then dumping monthly income into a nicer newer ride. So I have to spend $300 once a quarter on one of the vehicles verses that or more monthly. Just doesn't make sense to me.

All I can say is none of my SVT's have ever left me stranded and I've been able to enjoy almost every type of racing experience in them (AutoX,Road,Drag) plus hauling, camping...etc