[Wildsailor]

Like what usually happens to me every time about mid-winter I feel like it is time to 'break out.' So, I am running the configurators for a change in performance level for my daily driver. Why? Bored. What am I driving now? A 2012 Focus Sedan with the Sport Package and a Moonroof. A very exceptional vehicle but my past includes some greats like a 5.0L GT Mustang, an Escort GT, and a 4.6L GT Mustang Convertible. This is, of course, all the fault of the Focus RS intro. I remember the days of sliding around corners and lighting up the tires...

So the two being considered are either an ST3 or a Mustang Ecoboost. Both would be 6spd Manuals and get the same FE ratings (almost). The ST3 is a bit more money but the rear drive Mustang is an absolute blast (I recently had an opportunity to drag race an Ecoboost Manual against a 2015 GT Auto and I finished 1.5 car lengths behind at the end of the quarter). But in features is where the two diverge. The ST3 would be loaded and have the heated seats, heated wheel, NAV...etc. The Mustang Ecoboost is a heck of a car but would be just the base Ecoboost.

I know I should 'love the one I'm with' but the sedan is getting a little boring. I am not really looking for 'this is better than that' because there is usually 2500 unique perspectives for each 1000 people. I am just in pain and wanted to vent. When it is all said and done I will probably end up keeping the SE Sport like last year when I fell in love with a 1.6L GTDI Manual Fusion...but that was a completely different story. Different....completely...

* Sigh

 

[IAmBort]

What's holding you back?

 

[Elizabeth]

Two big differences in the two upgrades you are thinking about.
Front wheel drive vs rear wheel drive...
And
Two door vs four door.

For some the FWD vs RWD is all that matters.
For others, (with a family) the main deal buster is two doors.

The with all options vs no options is a smaller bit IMO.

Personally if the Mustang had four doors I would buy one.
(I hate giant doors, and I want good access to the rear seats.)

 

[Wildsailor]

What's holding you back?

My typical anal analysis. Analysis has 'anal' in it so that means spreadsheets, usage analysis, capability studies, environmental impact studies ...stuff like that. All kidding aside, I do spend too much time studying. I wanted an ST3 with a moonroof to get the heated seats and heated wheel but when I sat in the Recaro seats the side bolsters were not comfy. I read about how to modify them but the thought of cutting into a $30k car is interesting. I like the 'Titanium Seat' conversion but when would I ever get to that? So, I went off to look at a Mustang...

Two big differences in the two upgrades you are thinking about.
Front wheel drive vs rear wheel drive...
And
Two door vs four door.

For some the FWD vs RWD is all that matters.
For others, (with a family) the main deal buster is two doors.

The with all options vs no options is a smaller bit IMO.

Personally if the Mustang had four doors I would buy one.
(I hate giant doors, and I want good access to the rear seats.)

I have had 3 Mustangs before and, in fact, still technically own a 2004 although my son has that off at college. I was driving that as my daily driver up until 2.5 years ago when his Cougar broke down. I quickly taught him how to drive a stick and then bought my Focus SE Sport for me. 99% of the time I drive with either just me or one other in the car. On rare occasions I need the back seat. I figured I could make it work for me so I have ordered an Ecoboost Premium manual. It is supposed to be in right around tax day.

Naturally, now that I have time to analyze more I am wondering if I am doing the right thing. I like the SE Sport and it has served me well. The mind can be a very tricky place!

 

[IAmBort]

My typical anal analysis. Analysis has 'anal' in it so that means spreadsheets, usage analysis, capability studies, environmental impact studies ...stuff like that. All kidding aside, I do spend too much time studying. I wanted an ST3 with a moonroof to get the heated seats and heated wheel but when I sat in the Recaro seats the side bolsters were not comfy. I read about how to modify them but the thought of cutting into a $30k car is interesting. I like the 'Titanium Seat' conversion but when would I ever get to that? So, I went off to look at a Mustang...

I have had 3 Mustangs before and, in fact, still technically own a 2004 although my son has that off at college. I was driving that as my daily driver up until 2.5 years ago when his Cougar broke down. I quickly taught him how to drive a stick and then bought my Focus SE Sport for me. 99% of the time I drive with either just me or one other in the car. On rare occasions I need the back seat. I figured I could make it work for me so I have ordered an Ecoboost Premium manual. It is supposed to be in right around tax day.

Ahh, so you are trading up after all! Nice choice. I know what you mean about that analysis paralysis. I spent months researching the ST before buying one. I had just bought a slightly used Focus SE last year and had buyers remorse ever since. Everything about the car was great, except it was just too darn slow! I probably could have gone your route and gotten some 2 door coupe instead of the ST, since I'm the only in it 98% of the time. Oh well.

Naturally, now that I have time to analyze more I am wondering if I am doing the right thing. I like the SE Sport and it has served me well. The mind can be a very tricky place!

Once you get to driving that Mustang, I highly doubt you will regret letting go of the SE.

 

[Wildsailor]

Ahh, so you are trading up after all! Nice choice. I know what you mean about that analysis paralysis. I spent months researching the ST before buying one. I had just bought a slightly used Focus SE last year and had buyers remorse ever since. Everything about the car was great, except it was just too darn slow! I probably could have gone your route and gotten some 2 door coupe instead of the ST, since I'm the only in it 98% of the time. Oh well.



Once you get to driving that Mustang, I highly doubt you will regret letting go of the SE.

I thought about trying out the 1.0L Ecoboost SE as an alternative as the torque peak is at a lower RPM than the naturally aspirated 2.0L (1400 RPM). It would probably have no high end oomph though. The dealer would not let me drive the one they had in stock; there was a hold on it for some reason at the time. Not sure what was going on. They have since been released but my mind is committed. To the Mustang that is.

The Mustang is an awesome car. It worked out to be about the same as an ST3 price wise but the Focus has a better subprime loan rate; the Mustang has a higher interest rate through Ford Motor Credit; no deals on the hot Mustangs. My bank will be providing my financing. The 2.3L Ecoboost and the 2.0L ST are even rated about the same fuel economy. Insurance was quoted as the Mustang being $2 more a month.

You are probably right about once getting behind the wheel forgetting all about the SE. The HP and Torque numbers this Ecobooost is rated at dwarfs my previous Mustangs (2 GT's and a v6). I had an opportunity to drive an Ecoboost manual on the track last Fall and never thought for a moment I would be getting one! I hope the order process goes smooth. It should, they are experts at this.

 

[IAmBort]

You are probably right about once getting behind the wheel forgetting all about the SE. The HP and Torque numbers this Ecobooost is rated at dwarfs my previous Mustangs (2 GT's and a v6). I had an opportunity to drive an Ecoboost manual on the track last Fall and never thought for a moment I would be getting one! I hope the order process goes smooth. It should, they are experts at this.

It's crazy to see how rapidly the power/torque output of engines keeps rising. I didn't realize that the Ecoboost 4-cyl puts out almost as much power as the GT from just one generation ago. It's turbo vs. naturally aspirated, but still impressive.

Have fun with your new Mustang! [driving]

 

[felixthecat]

To the OP, For mustang I'd get the 5.0 & you can't go wrong w/ the ST. 2 different vehicles.

 

[hoffmaw1]

I was the same way as the OP. Then I found a great deal on a leftover 2014 ST. If you can get a good deal I say go for it.

 

[Wildsailor]

I was the same way as the OP. Then I found a great deal on a leftover 2014 ST. If you can get a good deal I say go for it.

I actually ended up ordering a 2 door version of the Focus RS....the Mustang Ecoboost with the 2.3L turbo, selectable drive modes, heated seats, and a 6 speed stick! Should be a blast...when it gets here!

Congratulations on your new ST!

 

[Arco-Zakus]

... You are probably right about once getting behind the wheel forgetting all about the SE. ...

Which will leave that much more space inside your brain where the question "Should I have gotten the 5.0L GT instead?" can race around.

 

[Wildsailor]

Which will leave that much more space inside your brain where the question "Should I have gotten the 5.0L GT instead?" can race around.

Nah, had 2 of them already. A blast to drive but you cannot hold the pedal to the floor for more than about 3 seconds before you are in 'go to jail' territory. The Gen6 5.0L is even worse than the ones I used to drive. With the EB I get 2 extra seconds of acceleration before I am in the same boat!