Volkswagen Golf R vs. Ford Focus RS

Stock Motor

The Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS are two high-performance hatchbacks that have gained a significant following among driving enthusiasts. One of the key elements that contribute 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 Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS, examining their similarities, differences, and the impact they have on the driving experience.

Power Output:

Both the Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS offer impressive power outputs from their stock motors. The Golf R features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering around 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Focus RS boasts a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, producing approximately 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. With its higher power figures, the Focus RS offers a noticeable advantage in terms of outright performance.

Turbocharging and Boost Pressure:

Turbocharging plays a vital role in the power delivery of both the Golf R and Focus RS. The Golf R's engine utilizes a single turbocharger, providing quick throttle response and a broad torque band. The Focus RS, on the other hand, employs a larger turbocharger with higher boost pressure, resulting in increased power and torque output. This setup enhances the Focus RS's acceleration and allows for exhilarating performance on both the street and the track.

All-Wheel Drive Systems:

Both vehicles come equipped with advanced all-wheel drive systems to maximize traction and handling. The Golf R features Volkswagen's 4Motion system, which utilizes a Haldex coupling to distribute power between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions. The Focus RS incorporates Ford's innovative torque vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) system, which can send up to 70% of the torque to the rear axle and then distribute it individually to each rear wheel. This sophisticated AWD setup provides exceptional grip and agility, enhancing the driving experience in both models.

Transmission Options:

The Golf R offers a standard six-speed manual transmission, providing a direct and engaging connection between the driver and the car. Additionally, it offers an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for those seeking a more convenient driving experience. The Focus RS, on the other hand, comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, emphasizing a more driver-focused and involving experience.

Driving Dynamics and Handling:

The Golf R and Focus RS excel in terms of driving dynamics and handling, albeit with different characteristics. The Golf R offers a refined and composed ride, with precise steering, excellent balance, and predictable handling. The Focus RS, known for its rally-inspired heritage, delivers a more aggressive and dynamic driving experience. Its sport-tuned suspension, precise steering, and advanced AWD system make it a formidable performer on twisty roads and racetracks.

Exhaust Note:

While subjective, the exhaust note of a performance car contributes to the overall driving experience. The Golf R offers a more refined and subdued exhaust tone, providing a balance between sportiness and everyday usability. In contrast, the Focus RS features a more aggressive and purposeful exhaust note, amplifying the driving experience with pops and crackles during gear changes and spirited driving.

The stock motors in the Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS are the heart of their performance-oriented driving experiences. The Golf R offers a compelling blend of power, refinement, and everyday usability, making it a versatile choice for enthusiasts seeking a high-performance hatchback. The Focus RS, on the other hand, takes a more aggressive approach, providing higher power output, rally-inspired dynamics, and an engaging driving experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two models will depend on personal preferences, with the Golf R focusing on a well-rounded performance package, while the Focus RS emphasizes raw power and exhilaration.

Tuning Ability

Upgraded Intake:

The intake system plays a crucial role in delivering a steady flow of fresh air to the engine, contributing to power gains and improved throttle response. Here are the options for both cars:

Volkswagen Golf R:

APR Carbon Fiber Intake System

Unitronic Carbon Fiber Intake

AWE Tuning S-FLO Carbon Intake

Ford Focus RS:

COBB Tuning Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake

Mountune High-Flow Induction Kit

Mishimoto Performance Air Intake

Enhanced Exhaust Systems:

A performance exhaust system can significantly improve the engine's airflow, leading to increased horsepower and a more aggressive sound. Check out some popular options:

Volkswagen Golf R:

Milltek Sport Cat-Back Exhaust

Armytrix Valvetronic Exhaust System

Remus Sport Exhaust System

Ford Focus RS:

MBRP Race Cat-Back Exhaust

Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust

Scorpion Venom Resonated Cat-Back Exhaust

Forced Induction Upgrades:

Both the Golf R and Focus RS come equipped with turbochargers, which offer ample tuning potential through upgrades:

Volkswagen Golf R:

APR Stage 1 Turbocharger Upgrade

Integrated Engineering MQB TSI Turbo Inlet Pipe

HPA Motorsports IS38 Hybrid Turbo Upgrade

Ford Focus RS:

COBB Tuning Front Mount Intercooler Kit

Garrett GTX2867R GEN II Turbocharger Upgrade

Mountune MRX Turbo Upgrade Kit

Fuel Management Enhancements:

Efficient fuel management is vital to optimize engine performance when tuning for more power:

Volkswagen Golf R:

APR High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP)

Unitronic MPI Injector Upgrade

Integrated Engineering Direct Port Methanol Injection Kit

Ford Focus RS:

COBB Tuning Fuel Pressure Regulator Kit

Injector Dynamics ID1050X Fuel Injectors

Mountune High-Flow Fuel Rail

Ignition Options:

A reliable ignition system is essential for delivering the spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture efficiently:

Volkswagen Golf R:

NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs

APR Ignition Coil Pack Upgrade

Racingline Performance Ignition Leads

Ford Focus RS:

Denso Iridium Spark Plugs

MSD Ignition Coil Packs

Mountune High-Performance Spark Plug Leads

Suspension

Volkswagen Golf R Suspension:

MacPherson Strut Front Suspension: The Golf R features a traditional MacPherson strut setup in the front, which is widely used for its simplicity, light weight, and cost-effectiveness. This design allows for precise steering and stability.

Multi-Link Rear Suspension: At the rear, the Golf R employs a multi-link suspension, offering superior control over wheel movement and enhancing overall ride quality and handling.

DCC Adaptive Chassis Control: The Golf R comes equipped with an available DCC adaptive damping system, allowing drivers to select from various driving modes (Comfort, Normal, Race, and Individual) to adjust the suspension's firmness as per their preferences and road conditions.

Balanced Ride Comfort: The Golf R's suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and sportiness, making it an ideal choice for both daily commutes and spirited drives.

Ford Focus RS Suspension:

RevoKnuckle Front Suspension: Ford designed a unique front suspension system called the RevoKnuckle for the Focus RS. This setup reduces torque steer, a common issue in high-powered front-wheel-drive vehicles, resulting in better traction and stability under acceleration.

Control Blade Rear Suspension: The Focus RS features a sophisticated Control Blade multi-link rear suspension, delivering exceptional cornering ability and improved handling dynamics. v
Drift Mode: One of the most notable features of the Focus RS is its "Drift Mode," which alters the torque distribution and suspension settings, allowing skilled drivers to initiate controlled drifts for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Firmer Ride Quality: The Focus RS prioritizes sportiness over comfort, offering a firmer and more engaging ride. While this enhances performance on the track, it may be less forgiving on rough roads during everyday driving.

Comparison and Critique:

Handling: Both the Golf R and Focus RS excel in handling, but their approaches differ. The Golf R's well-tuned suspension and balanced chassis provide precise cornering and a composed ride, ensuring confidence-inspiring driving dynamics. On the other hand, the Focus RS, with its unique front suspension and Control Blade rear setup, delivers sharp and nimble handling, particularly in tight turns and spirited driving scenarios.

Comfort vs. Performance: If comfort is a priority, the Golf R's suspension is more accommodating for daily driving and long trips. However, for driving enthusiasts seeking maximum performance and a track-focused experience, the Focus RS' firmer suspension setup and Drift Mode offer more excitement and engagement.

Adaptability: The Golf R's DCC adaptive damping system allows drivers to tailor the suspension to their preferences, offering a degree of flexibility that the Focus RS lacks. However, the Focus RS compensates with its RevoKnuckle front suspension, mitigating torque steer and ensuring a more stable front-wheel-drive experience.

Interior

Volkswagen Golf R Interior:

Premium Materials: The Golf R's interior boasts high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces, brushed aluminum accents, and optional leather upholstery, giving it an upscale feel.

Ergonomic Design: Volkswagen's attention to detail is evident in the Golf R's well-thought-out interior layout, placing essential controls within easy reach of the driver.

Infotainment System: The Golf R features an intuitive and user-friendly infotainment system with a crisp touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connectivity options.

Spaciousness: The Golf R offers a comfortable cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it suitable for extended journeys.

Cargo Space: With its versatile hatchback design, the Golf R provides 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Ford Focus RS Interior:

Performance-Oriented Design: The Focus RS' interior is focused on the driver, featuring supportive Recaro sport seats with RS branding and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature.

Unique Accents: The Focus RS boasts distinctive blue stitching throughout the cabin, including the seats, steering wheel, and gear shifter, adding a touch of flair to the overall design.

Infotainment System: Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, offering smartphone integration, voice recognition, and various apps to keep drivers connected.

Passenger Space: While the front seats provide excellent support, the rear seats in the Focus RS can be a bit cramped for taller passengers, reducing overall comfort on longer journeys.

Cargo Capacity: The Focus RS offers 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 43.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, making it slightly less spacious than the Golf R.

Comparison and Critique:

Luxury vs. Performance: The Golf R's interior leans towards a more luxurious and refined feel, with premium materials and a well-designed layout. On the other hand, the Focus RS prioritizes a performance-focused design, with supportive sport seats and unique accents to enhance the driving experience.

Technology: Both vehicles come equipped with modern infotainment systems, but the Golf R's system might be considered more user-friendly and feature-rich, making it a more attractive option for tech-savvy drivers.

Space and Practicality: The Golf R offers more generous rear passenger space and cargo capacity, making it a better choice for families or those who frequently carry passengers and luggage.

Driver Engagement: The Focus RS excels in providing a driver-centric cockpit, emphasizing the car's performance capabilities and delivering a sense of excitement every time the driver sits behind the wheel.