Mazdaspeed 3 Vs Ford Focus ST Mk2 Turbo

[#3 Tasman Bloke]

I'd like to know, who would win the battle of the hot hatches? The Mazdaspeed 3 or the Ford Focus ST Mk2 Turbo?
Mazdaspeed 3:
Engine: in-line 4 cylinder dohc, 16V, turbo intercooled
Layout: Front Engined, Front Drive.
Power: 190kW @ 5500rpm
Torque: 380nM @ 3000rpm
Transmission: 6 speed manual.
Top Speed: 250 km/h+

Ford Focus ST Mk2 Turbo
Engine: in- line 4 cyl, dohc, 16V, turbo intercooled.
Layout: Front Engined, Front Drive.
Power: 166kW
Torque: 320Nm
Transmission: 6 speed manual.
Top Speed: 241 km/h.

So, who's gonna win?

[:Exige:]

Win at what? Around a track? Reliability? Handling? Fuel efficiency? Invading small african villages?

[pimento]

By 'Ford Focus ST Mk2 Turbo' do you mean the Focus ST/XR5? Because that's a 5 cyl.

[fpv_gtho]

The figures seem to be in the Mazda's favour. I'd need to know the exact weights to know for sure, but the Ford is very tractible from low revs, whilst the Mazda has alot of electronics holding back the torque in order to cut torque steer so the Focus could be faster around a tight circuit.

[Monty_Burns]

The Mazda is faster, but reviewers seem to say that the Focus is more refined and useable from low revs. Focus for me.

[PerfAdv]

The figures seem to be in the Mazda's favour. I'd need to know the exact weights to know for sure, but the Ford is very tractible from low revs, whilst the Mazda has alot of electronics holding back the torque in order to cut torque steer so the Focus could be faster around a tight circuit.

Great read of the matchup.

[STREETFIRE]

Mazda 3 MPS for me.

[JohnMaxwell1986]

yes the european "RS Focus" was a turbocharged 4 cyl, but the mk2 "ST Focus" is a turbocharged 5 cyl engine, sourced from the volvo turbo range!! Alot of people, local to me, have maintained that the st is the "car to have" but as it has a few rivals here, there alot to be expected. The mazda3 mps, is rarely heard of here, and going by the stats, it sounds like the engine has be sourced from the "RS Focus", so therefore low down the mazda would have it, but maybe top end, the st focus wud gain.

[acfsambo]

its a hard decision
if u go on figures alone mazda but if u put other factors like handeling looks practicallity and so forth i personally think the ford is best

[fpv_gtho]

The mazda3 mps, is rarely heard of here, and going by the stats, it sounds like the engine has be sourced from the "RS Focus", so therefore low down the mazda would have it, but maybe top end, the st focus wud gain.

The Mazda's engine is infact a derivative of the 6 MPS's direct injection turbo engine i believe

[Ferrer]

The Focus for me, fast enough but more relaxed than the Mazda.

[Pinto_PT]

Mazda engine's indeed the same used in the 6 MPS. 2.3L, 4cyl turbo capable of 260hp.

Focus has a 5cyl, 2.5L turbo with 225hp sourced from Volvo.

While waiting for an extensive review regarding its handling, and despite the fact it's only sold with 5 doors, I'd go with the Mazda.
Good performance figures, capable chassis and LSD seems fine to me. Also, surely more exclusive than the Focus.

[bmwpower]

I like the size and sytle of the focus..plus look at the orange people !!

[Quiggs]

I like the edgier style of the Focus more.

[Mr.Tiv]

As I have never read anything about the Mazda that didn't dislike it's steering, and I like the way the Focus looks and sounds I'll just go with it.