Focus vs Falcon (or FWD small vs RWD Large)

carazy · 22-12-2005, 02:20 PM

Hey all, been a while since I've posted but I'm back :-)

I'm looking at upgrading the old 1985 BMW I have at the moment and while I've never left Ford (the wife has an AUII Futura) while I love the Bimmer they are too expensive for new cars and the blue blood never left my veins.

So the next car will be a brand new work leased beasty of around $40-50k

Now hear is the question:
Which car is going to handle better? An Xr5 turbo Focus fwd OR an Xr6 turbo.

I love RWD but then I'm over having a big car (I'll be getting a territory for the wife around the same time anyway)

So to the FWD guys out there.. are you happy with the handling? Or do you yern for some sideways action?

The roads I prefer to traverse for spirited driving are very tight narrow roads of clarndon SA (the route the coopers classic rally takes)
Both cars are almost exactly the same in 0-100 and both would have scope for some basic mods.
Both I'd expect will cost the same price although I'd say the focus will likely have a little more fruit.

I'd make this a poll but I still don't know how.

**Mechan1k** · 22-12-2005, 02:28 PM

FWD can be very very fun when set up .... much more nimble on tight roads than a RWD ... I used to have a FWD hatchback ... and I kinda miss it in someways.

If you are getting a Territory as well ... get yourself a small fun car to fling around.

That's what I reckon.

AnthonyQLD · 22-12-2005, 02:36 PM

I dont think you could go past a XR6T

22-12-2005, 02:37 PM

Have you seen the Focus ST (XR5T) road test by top gear? If you haven't a highlight of it has the focus demonstrating the level of grip, by hitting a corner and being able to push onto 3 wheels, in the wet!

The Focus isn't THAT small, perhaps slightly smaller than a Camry for back seat passengers.

The ST focus also has oversteer dialled into the chassis, in the video, it has a small section of the focus doing high speed spins and recovery, and a bit of lift off drifting. Very controllable.

Overall, I wouldn't hesitate getting the XR5 over the 6. Plus every man and his dog has a XR6. Be different.

22-12-2005, 02:42 PM

Heres the vid if anyones interested
http://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=30239

carazy · 22-12-2005, 02:42 PM

yeah the topgear review is what made me consider it..
I was looking at The VW Golf GTI as well but then this thing came up..

flappist · 22-12-2005, 02:45 PM

Plenty of sideways action in FWD as you roll down a hill after torque steering off the road.

ing_sm

Unfortunately there is little choice in non FWD small/medium cars
Subaru, EVO, BMW 3 series, Magna AWD, Lotus Elise etc.

The XR5 looks great and seems to have a lot of room inside. They should go ok too. If you do not have to decide until March 06 then have a drive of one before deciding.

carazy · 22-12-2005, 03:03 PM

Yeah I sort of want a not so racy looking car so the EVO and Subi are out.
Magna AWD would not be new as they don't sell them any more.
3 series would be a totally POS 4cyl one for the money and I'm sure as hell not forking out $96k for the 330i.
The 1 series I could streach for the 130i and that would be gold but they are not the best looker and I find it hard to justify the cost.
Lotus Elise is not practical at all.

But yeah medium/small there is almost no choice at all for brand new :(

Steffo · 22-12-2005, 03:38 PM

FWD is alot more forgiving to the inexperienced driver IMO... and can be fun. The XR5 Turbo looks like it'll be a pretty good package... but personally if I had the choice of XR5 Turbo or XR6 Turbo... the 245kW RWD sedan would take the cake.

The best and only way to find out what you'll like better is to drive both and see. Best of luck with your decision mate.

Perana · 22-12-2005, 04:15 PM

Id go the XR5T over the XR6T

Fast in a straight line isnt all that matters..

chevypower · 22-12-2005, 04:22 PM

thats why i would get an XR6T - much more cruisy and comfortable and roomy, while still being able to accelerate hard and handle good, with pretty good economy, and with a 6 speed auto, why not

SunDrifter · 22-12-2005, 04:22 PM

It all depends on your preferance i suppose. Personally, i couldn't stand having to drive a front wheel driver around, so i'd take the XR6T any day of the week. But i'd suggest that the XR5 is a good handeling beast too.

carazy · 22-12-2005, 09:30 PM

hmmm looks like the xr5 may be 5 door only.. if that's the case I'll get something else.
I wrote a letter to Ford about it cause it's not even on the cards if it's 5 door only.

outback_ute · 22-12-2005, 10:00 PM

Newsflash, the XR6T has four doors too lol

For chucking around tight & twisty roads I would go the Focus definitely, it would be a lot more chuckable than the Falcon. Take each for a drive and then decide. I am definitely a rwd fan too, but big heavy Falcons don't like changing direction that much.

carazy · 22-12-2005, 10:15 PM

That's right but if I'm buying a hatch I want a 2 door that looks the part.

carazy · 23-12-2005, 11:57 AM

hmm why can't I edit my post :(
Oh well,
I sent ford an email last night saying that I liked the look of the new focus Xr5 but told them fairly bluntly that I wouldn't buy it if it was a 5 door as it doesn't look very "hot hatch" and doesn't differentiate it's self enough from the base model focus from the outside.
They called me today to thank me for the feedback and advise they haven’t decided wether or not it will be 5 door/ 3 door so my input was appreciated.

I love companies that care :-)

outback_ute · 23-12-2005, 12:18 PM

Most other hot hatches are in the same boat, they have migrated to the 5 doors out here, sometimes the 3 door is available as a special order. Perhaps Ford might do the same thing. At least you have increased the chances of getting a 3 door.

PS there is a limited time in which you can edit your posts

carazy · 23-12-2005, 12:27 PM

yeah 4 door hatches are fine for most people but people that buy hot hatches are 1 of 3 categories I think
1) chicks with money
2) ricers with money
3) people that want a hipo good handling little racer

All three categories are going to prefer the sporty looking little 3 door over a sedan looking 5 door.
The 3 door is 47kg lighter and going to have a more solid body to boot.

Then again my little bimmer's a 4 door and they are apparently more ridged and lighter then the 2 door but they are the exception and not the rule.

AUIII XR8 MAN · 24-12-2005, 01:01 PM

I had both a FWD & RWD cars. When i brought my last car it had to be a RWD. They are just more fun to drive than a FWD. Sure FWD are quick of the mark & you can get the power down better come out of a corner, but when the rear end want to step out on the FWD that is no fun. Wait until you can test drive both than take the one you feel most at home driving on a daily bases. Good luck with your chose.

Walkinshaw · 24-12-2005, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUIII XR8 MAN

I had both a FWD & RWD cars. When i brought my last car it had to be a RWD. They are just more fun to drive than a FWD. Sure FWD are quick of the mark & you can get the power down better come out of a corner, but when the rear end want to step out on the FWD that is no fun. Wait until you can test drive both than take the one you feel most at home driving on a daily bases. Good luck with your chose.

I'm confused have your swaped FWD and RWD in that sentance? Ive got 3FWD cars at home and 1 RWD car. Up gorge road the FWD cars scrabble for traction out of the corners and cant put the power down quickly. Now i also have a RWD car which has close to 3x the horsepower to that the FWD car in question has. This has NO trouble putting the power to the pavement out of the tight corners........

Still XR5 would have to be 3door for me to consider it.

carazy · 24-12-2005, 04:07 PM

Either FWD or RWD it had better handle bloody well to get a look in.
I love the turn in and grip of the Bimmer and apart from straightline speed I can kill my mates Xr6t on the downhill and keep up on VERY tight up hill (untill there is any straight then I'm dead)
I'm only considering new because I may need to get one for work and I don't really trust a 20 year old European car even if it is german.

smoo · 24-12-2005, 06:00 PM

I have a 5 series with the same drive train as your Bimmer and I can safely say its been a good buy. I don't buy into the whole 'too old' arguement. I work at a dealership part time and laugh everytime a new SAAB, Jag or Holden comes in on the back of a tow truck. Out of 25k km of ownership, an intake manifold gasket needed replacing, easy fix which didn't even effect drivability, can't generalise tho, but there are no worries every time I go to start it. Proven but simple mechanics in these cars :sm_headba

Since I'm biased towards old cars, I would recommend a 325is like your current one, but as yours looks modded it will probably hand one of the ///M series Bimmers its **** in the twisties haha. Out of the new, the Renault Clio and old Focus ST170 seem like good cars going off magazine reports. The Focus looks the part too, I actually prefer the old shape to the new.

stiddy · 24-12-2005, 06:25 PM

id get the XR lol ;)

Biggoggs · 25-12-2005, 01:49 AM

*) You want a `not so racy looking car', but it paradoxically has to go fast
*) Between $40-50k, new
*) Preferably a two-door
I don't think you'd have many options, although a WRX is $41k (STi $56k if possible), if you can get used to its look. They're quick, fast, and 350kg lighter than an XR6T.

Between a Focus and a Falcon, I'd go the Falcon. RWD > FWD, i6 > i4, etc.

Perana · 25-12-2005, 01:16 PM

The XR Focus isnt an I4 though ;)

Racecraft · 25-12-2005, 02:11 PM

the XR6T is a proven reliable car.. The new Foci on the other hand could be a world of hurt.. I'd never buy a first run car myself..

b2tf · 25-12-2005, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racecraft

the XR6T is a proven reliable car.. The new Foci on the other hand could be a world of hurt.. I'd never buy a first run car myself..

The XR5 has been around in ST form (same engine and car but different name) in Europe for a while though, so its not as if Australia is the first market it'll be let loose on.

buickman · 25-12-2005, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevypower

thats why i would get an XR6T - much more cruisy and comfortable and roomy, while still being able to accelerate hard and handle good, with pretty good economy, and with a 6 speed auto, why not

Got to agree with that. The best six cyl Australia's produced mated to the 6 speed auto.
My wife has the Mazda SP nice car but I prefer my AU ghia doing H/way driving

Racecraft · 25-12-2005, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by back2thefutura

The XR5 has been around in ST form (same engine and car but different name) in Europe for a while though, so its not as if Australia is the first market it'll be let loose on.

.. but Australian conditions are the diference between a good car and a dud imho

Perana · 25-12-2005, 06:30 PM

The XR5t running gear has been running around Aus for a while with Volvo badges attached and fitted to a Volvo S40/V40 T5.

The ST has only been avaliable in the UK for about a month or so IIRC.

Oh and the S40/V40 and Mazda 3 are all built on the same platform as the Focus, both have which have been around for quite a while before the Focus arrived so problems should be ironed out pretty well.