Focus ST or Civic Type-R

[Stringent]

Thinking about my options now. I'm interested in the above two. If I go for the ST it WILL be orange. The Type-R red or black.

The ST is probably cheaper to buy, but higher running costs, the type-r bit more, but easier on the running costs and honda a really reliable engine.

Probably trade my dads 04 astra diesel in, give him the cash and privately sell my Focus.

Thoughts?

[kalniel]

Orange makes all the difference.

[Stringent]

Then I have been tangoed.

[Blitzen]

Focus ST 100% - Beautiful motor.

The Honda looks big 'hand-bag' like and its generally only age chavs that drive them.

[SiM]

Civic Type-R 100% - Beautiful motor.

The Ford looks big 'hand-bag' like and its generally only age chavs that drive them.


Old Civic is nicer than the new shaped one though

[MD]

Errrm - Ive seen more 'chavs' driving the ASBO than I have the old breadvan Type R - if its the new Type R staaaaaaay awaaaaay.

[Stringent]

if its the new Type R staaaaaaay awaaaaay.

Why? Was thinking the GT version ... The styling is a bit mad. Love the lightup dash too!

[Salazaar]

Tough choice! They're both excellent cars, I reckon the ST just about pips it looks wise, but only if it's in the orange.

I seem to remember Jeremy Clarkson reviewing the Type-R and moaning that the spoiler completely obscures the rear view and that it seriously underperforms compared to the old Type-Rs.

[MD]

the new type R has cheaper poorer performing suspension, its a really harsh ride.

The visibility out the back is non existent...

aside from that I would get an S2000 it pretty new condition for the same money as a GT - at the end of the day its the same engine coupled with a sweet box and looks much nicer

I am the king of impracticality car advice tho

[jimborae]

Well as old shape, 300bhp, supercharged Type-R owner I'd say don't get one in red. The metallic and black ones seemed to get a better quality paint finish, red ones seem patchy and the bumpers go a slightly different shade when out in the sun.

Also I'd re-evaluate the running costs as I'm sure a Ford must be cheaper to run than a Honda. Try £850 for a single drive shaft, £17 for a piece of string to attach to the rear parcel shelf and £6500 for a new engine fitted.

Also I've driven the new Type-R and I just don't like the cabin layout compared to mine and it didn't seem to ride right either.

Finally it was sloooooooooooow..............but then again anything is compared to my pocket hyper rocket.

I guess what I'm saying is between a new Type-R and a Focus ST, I would look long and hard at a Focus RS

[malfunction]

Tough choice! They're both excellent cars, I reckon the ST just about pips it looks wise, but only if it's in the orange.

I seem to remember Jeremy Clarkson reviewing the Type-R and moaning that the spoiler completely obscures the rear view and that it seriously underperforms compared to the old Type-Rs.

Orange? Nah... I think it looks best in dark grey / graphite (google says "sea grey"). On topic there might be good deals out there on non facelifted STs now the 'new' focus it out.

[Nickg]

Focus probably quicker, Breadvn Type R probably more fun.

[Stringent]

Well at the end of the day, I'll probably go and test drive them all and see. Sticking by the orange, cos it just 'has to be done'. I currently get 300ish miles out my Focus 1.8 tank, the ST was around 280 ... so that makes it more expensive fuel wise. I think the civic did more combined mpg ... Need to have another lookie.

[Nickg]

if you are looking at a performance car i am not sure that it is wise to become fixated on the MPG.

One car has a 2.5Turbo, that is clearly going t be thirstier than a 2.0 4 pot.

but if that is the criteria for judging which 1 to buy:/ just buy a Turbo Diesel now!

orange = difficult to insure/difficult to maintain/likely to get keyed.


I Always like the appearance of the Mazda 3 MPS, similar to the focus, but probably screwed together by better able robots. might be cheaper too...

[Lee H]

the new type R has cheaper poorer performing suspension, its a really harsh ride.

Agreed - driving round MK the other week in my mates new type-R made my ass numb and neck sore.

[tiggerai]

Not that the Old Type-R was any nicer for travelling in.

I'd say if I had that choice it would be:

Old Type-R (black or Gunmetal)
ST (Blue) - got one of these outside my flat, they're really nice in blue too
New Type-R

in that order.