I have the exact opposite assessment of Ford’s recent efforts. The F150, on par with every other truck. The Focus ST, behind the GTI. The Fiesta ST, fun enough to drive, horrid interior, but much cheaper than the Mini.

The Evo? Nope. The performance made up for much of its failings, at least when they first came out, same as with the WRX/STi. Leaving the Evo to rot on the market without upgrades was criminal though.

See pretty much every comparison test of the GTI v. ST for counterpoint.

Bottom line, a $35K hot hatch is a luxury purchase. Luxury in a broad sense that no one needs a $35K hot hatch. At that level, purchases are predominately made based on feel and perceived value (i.e., can I justify to myself why this is worth it). The Golf, per every review, simply has a higher perceived value…

The problem is that there is so little price difference from the Golf R, and there is a huge difference in interior feel and questionable Ford build quality. *At this price point* this will sway a decision. If the RS was a couple of grand cheaper than the R, then the interior is much more excusable. It’s *not*…

And I should clarify, I meant that the Golf R is a bit cheaper.

Less is less. I somehow doubt the interior build of the RS will be essentially the same. Performance wise it’s unclear, but based on GTI v. ST, it’s likely to be very close (there may or may not be that .5 second difference in 0-60, stick v. stick, but a proper comparison is yet to be had here). Yet the ST is much…

You probably mean the the stuff we lob into orbit *now*

And costs less?!?

I got the FiST without the Recaros. The Recaros conflicted with the steering wheel for me in that when I got the seat adjusted to where I like it (bolt upright and relatively high to get a good view out), I can barely squeeze my leg between the bolster and the steering wheel when trying to get in or out of the car.…

Not sure about the B-pillars, but for me, the Recaros conflicted with the steering wheel in that when I got the seat adjusted to where I like it (bolt upright and relatively high to get a good view out), I can barely squeeze my leg between the bolster and the steering wheel when trying to get in or out of the car.…

I’ve had more problems with my Fiesta ST in 1 year than I had over the entire time I had my GTI and WRX, combined :/

But it’s the one magical position...

Yeah, just look at Bentley...

Entirely subjective. Arguably Doug’s entire argument can be summed up as what you are used to is what is good.

The last picture has the prices.

Yes, multiple times. I knew roughly where the item was and went in a “backward” direction directly to the stocking section, grabbed it and right out to the checkout area (which was clear). Then I realized that I left my wallet at home :(

He can’t actually provide any actual data. He’s a typical high school troll. Pure and simple.

Says the guy who actually has over 100 responses in this thread. If my panties are in a bind yours are essentially up your tailpipe.

Given the sheer number of people that you responded to, it’s quite safe to say you are the one that obsesses. Hobby? It’s called a job. You would know if you had one.