Ford Focus RS vs. Subaru WRX STI

Stock Motor

The Ford Focus RS and Subaru WRX STI are two high-performance vehicles that have captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts worldwide. Central to their exhilarating performance is the stock motor found under their hoods. In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive comparison of the stock motors in the Ford Focus RS and Subaru WRX STI, highlighting their similarities, differences, and the impact they have on the driving experience.

Power Output:

The power output of the stock motors in these two performance machines is a defining factor in their respective capabilities. The Ford Focus RS is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces an impressive 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the Subaru WRX STI features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers around 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. While the Focus RS offers a power advantage, the WRX STI boasts a rich history of rally-bred performance.

Engine Technology:

Both the Focus RS and WRX STI incorporate advanced engine technologies to maximize power and efficiency. The Focus RS utilizes Ford's EcoBoost technology, which combines direct fuel injection and turbocharging to enhance performance while maintaining fuel economy. Subaru employs their Boxer engine architecture, featuring horizontally-opposed pistons that provide a lower center of gravity for improved handling. The WRX STI's engine also incorporates enhanced performance components such as forged pistons and sodium-filled exhaust valves for increased durability.

Turbocharging and Boost Pressure:

Turbocharging plays a pivotal role in the power delivery of both the Focus RS and WRX STI. The Focus RS features a larger turbocharger with higher boost pressure, resulting in quick acceleration and impressive mid-range torque. On the other hand, the WRX STI utilizes a smaller turbocharger, providing strong low-end response and a broad power band. The different turbocharging characteristics contribute to unique driving experiences in each vehicle, with the Focus RS offering explosive power and the WRX STI focusing on immediate throttle response.

Transmission Options:

The Focus RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, which delivers precise and engaging gear shifts, allowing drivers to fully exploit the power of the vehicle. The WRX STI also features a six-speed manual transmission as standard, reflecting its driver-centric focus and connection to Subaru's rally heritage. Both transmissions offer a high level of control and involvement, ensuring an exciting and immersive driving experience.

All-Wheel Drive Systems:

Both the Focus RS and WRX STI come equipped with advanced all-wheel drive systems, enhancing traction and handling in various driving conditions. The Focus RS employs Ford's torque-vectoring AWD system, which can distribute torque individually to each rear wheel for optimal cornering performance. The WRX STI features Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, providing exceptional grip and stability. Additionally, the WRX STI incorporates a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), allowing drivers to manually adjust the front-to-rear torque distribution for personalized handling preferences.

Performance and Driving Dynamics:

The Focus RS and WRX STI deliver exhilarating performance and engaging driving dynamics, albeit with different characteristics. The Focus RS impresses with its explosive acceleration, razor-sharp handling, and agile cornering capabilities. The WRX STI, renowned for its rally heritage, offers a balanced combination of power, handling, and all-weather capability, making it a favorite among enthusiasts seeking performance and versatility. Both models excel at providing an adrenaline-pumping driving experience.

The stock motors in the Ford Focus RS and Subaru WRX STI play a vital role in their respective performances and driving experiences. The Focus RS offers a potent engine, impressive power output, and cutting-edge technologies, delivering exhilarating acceleration and precise handling. The WRX STI, on the other hand, combines rally-bred heritage with its turbocharged engine, advanced all-wheel drive system, and meticulous engineering to provide a versatile and engaging driving experience. Whether you prioritize explosive acceleration or rally-inspired capabilities, both the Focus RS and WRX STI offer thrilling options for performance enthusiasts.

Tuning Abilty

Ford Focus RS:

Upgraded Intake:

Mountune High-Flow Induction Kit

K&N Cold Air Intake System

Cobb Tuning Intake System

Enhanced Exhaust Systems:

Milltek Sport Cat-Back Exhaust

Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust

MBRP Pro Series Cat-Back Exhaust

Forced Induction Upgrades:

Cobb Tuning Accessport V3 ECU Flasher

Turbosmart IWG75 Internal Wastegate Actuator

Mountune M380 Turbo Upgrade

Fuel Management Enhancements:

DeatschWerks DW300c Fuel Pump

Injector Dynamics ID1050X Fuel Injectors

Cobb Tuning Flex Fuel Kit

Ignition Options:

NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs

MSD Ignition Coil Packs

Ford Performance High-Performance Ignition Coils

Subaru WRX STI:

Upgraded Intake:

COBB Tuning SF Intake System

AEM Cold Air Intake System

Perrin Performance Intake System

Enhanced Exhaust Systems:

Invidia Q300 Cat-Back Exhaust

Nameless Performance Axle-Back Exhaust

Tomei Expreme Ti Titanium Exhaust

Forced Induction Upgrades:

COBB Tuning Accessport V3 ECU Flasher

Blouch Performance 20G-XTR Turbocharger

Forced Performance Blue Turbo Upgrade

Fuel Management Enhancements:

DeatschWerks DW300c Fuel Pump

Injector Dynamics ID1300X Fuel Injectors

COBB Tuning Flex Fuel Kit

Ignition Options:

NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs

MSD Ignition Coil Packs

Subaru OEM High-Performance Ignition Coil Pack

Comparison and Critique:

Turbocharger Options: Both the Focus RS and WRX STI offer a variety of turbocharger upgrades, providing different levels of power gains and tuning potential.

Aftermarket Support: The Subaru WRX STI has a larger aftermarket support due to its popularity in the tuner community, offering a wider range of tuning options compared to the Focus RS.

Engine Management: Both cars benefit from COBB Tuning's Accessport V3 ECU flasher, providing precise tuning control and flexibility for enthusiasts seeking to maximize performance.

Fuel Management: The fuel management enhancements available for both vehicles allow for improved fuel delivery and optimized engine performance, supporting higher power outputs.

Exhaust Systems: The Focus RS and WRX STI each have various aftermarket exhaust systems, allowing drivers to tailor their car's sound and performance characteristics to their liking.

Suspension

Ford Focus RS:

Front Suspension: The Focus RS is equipped with a MacPherson strut front suspension, a popular choice for many performance-oriented vehicles due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Rear Suspension: At the rear, the Focus RS features an independent multi-link suspension, offering improved control over wheel movement and enhanced handling characteristics.

Handling: The Focus RS's suspension is tuned for agile and precise handling, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts seeking a responsive and engaging driving experience.

All-Wheel Drive: The Focus RS features a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, distributing power to all four wheels and improving traction and stability during cornering.

Sport-Tuned Suspension: The Focus RS's suspension is sport-tuned from the factory, providing a slightly stiffer and more performance-oriented ride compared to its standard Focus counterparts.

Subaru WRX STI:

Front Suspension: The WRX STI also utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension, providing a familiar layout for most performance vehicles.

Rear Suspension: At the rear, the WRX STI features an independent double-wishbone suspension, offering a different design approach compared to the Focus RS.

Handling: The WRX STI's suspension setup is designed for precise and confident handling, allowing drivers to push the vehicle to its limits with stability and control.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: The WRX STI boasts Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing exceptional grip and traction on various road conditions.

Sport-Tuned Suspension: Like the Focus RS, the WRX STI comes with a sport-tuned suspension, offering a blend of comfort and performance suitable for spirited driving.

Comparison and Critique:

Suspension Design: While both vehicles feature MacPherson strut front suspensions, the Focus RS has an independent multi-link rear suspension, whereas the WRX STI adopts an independent double-wishbone rear setup. These differences contribute to distinct handling characteristics for each car.

All-Wheel Drive Systems: The Focus RS and WRX STI both come equipped with sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems, providing enhanced traction and stability. However, the WRX STI's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a signature feature unique to Subaru, offering a slightly different approach to AWD performance.

Handling Balance: The Focus RS's independent multi-link rear suspension contributes to its more agile and responsive handling, whereas the WRX STI's independent double-wishbone rear suspension provides excellent stability and cornering performance.

Tuning Potential: Both vehicles have considerable aftermarket support for suspension upgrades, allowing owners to fine-tune their car's handling characteristics according to their preferences.

Ride Comfort: While both cars have sport-tuned suspensions, the Focus RS's setup may feel slightly stiffer compared to the WRX STI's, potentially impacting ride comfort for daily commuting.

Interior

Ford Focus RS:

Interior Design: The Focus RS features a sporty and driver-centric interior design, emphasizing performance and functionality. The dashboard layout is focused on providing quick access to essential controls.

Materials: The cabin materials in the Focus RS are of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces and well-fitted panels. Recaro sport seats are standard, providing excellent support during spirited driving.

Infotainment System: The Focus RS comes with Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface, smartphone integration, and available voice commands.

Interior Space: The Focus RS offers a comfortable and spacious cabin for the driver and front passenger, while the rear seats might feel slightly more cramped compared to its competitors.

Storage and Cargo: The Focus RS provides a reasonable amount of storage space, including door pockets, cup holders, and a decently-sized trunk for everyday items.

Subaru WRX STI:

Interior Design: The WRX STI's interior design has a sporty and aggressive vibe, featuring a well-organized dashboard layout. While functional, some critics find the design slightly dated compared to more modern rivals.

Materials: The WRX STI's cabin materials consist of a mix of soft-touch surfaces and hard plastics. While not as luxurious as some competitors, the materials are durable and suitable for performance-oriented driving.

Infotainment System: The WRX STI's infotainment system is straightforward but might feel less advanced than some of its rivals. The standard touchscreen display offers essential features like Bluetooth and smartphone integration.

Interior Space: The WRX STI offers comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, but taller passengers might find the rear seats lacking headroom.

Storage and Cargo: The WRX STI provides decent storage options, including cup holders, door pockets, and a reasonably sized trunk for everyday items. However, the rear seats do not fold flat, limiting cargo versatility.

Comparison and Critique:

Interior Aesthetics: The Focus RS offers a more modern and refined interior design, while the WRX STI's cabin might feel slightly dated to some buyers.

Seating Comfort: Both vehicles offer supportive sport seats, but personal preference may play a role in determining which is more comfortable for individual drivers.

Infotainment Features: The Focus RS's SYNC 3 infotainment system provides a more extensive range of features and a more intuitive interface compared to the WRX STI's infotainment setup.

Interior Quality: The Focus RS's cabin materials and build quality feel slightly more upscale compared to the WRX STI's, offering a more premium feel.

Interior Space: The Focus RS provides better rear-seat legroom and headroom compared to the WRX STI, making it more comfortable for rear passengers on long journeys.