Even if Focus T does come, it's FWD. They didn't design the underbody to accept AWD. That's why they don't have an AWD Turbo Focus Cosworth to replace the Escort in Europe.

 

Don't be surprised if Ford brings out an AWD Turbo Focus (one has been rumored to be in the works for a while), not the FWD RS that's out now in Europe. The Focus is a great platform and Ford knows how to to build a good all arounder. It woulden't be here for a year and a half or so at the earliest though.

 

The platform's great, the reliability has been terrifyingly bad.

 

Not many STI owners will leave theirs stock...

 

Yeah, but without AYC/ACD...5spd... We shall see as soon as the test drives roll in.

 

Regardless of which car I end up getting, I will have no ill will towards either. Let's hypothetically say I get the Sti, I will still love hanging out with and/or going to track/autocross events with Evo people. Both these cars are going to be good. And the competition will make things fun. It's not like either is a Honda with a fart can exhaust and 92 hp at the wheels

Erik in LA

 

Begun this clone war has!

Anything that isn't a Honda is a good thing I am so tired of civics and the dominance over the aftermarket! I like the EVO and the WRX my financial status will determine which I will buy in a few years!

 

Hahha...yeah, that's the attitude. This isn't exactly a Honda crowd. I'd love to own both cars...

I'd also like to check out the R32. Get other friends to buy the other cars...then switch on the next run to get the feel. But, I'm dreaming.

 

THAT is the funniest thing I've read in a long time.

Erik in LA

 

I still don't think people get the fact that a 6 speed is not neccesarily an advantage, and in a drag race, which is how most people are comparing them, it is likely a disadvantage. I'll be glad to blow by the other car as it performs the extra shift that I dont need.
Also in autocross it may mean actually having to perform shifts which would not be good.
On road race courses it may have a small advantage.
Remember it is not likely to have an "extra" gear at the top of a normal five speed, it will have closer packed gears, which I feel uneccesary on a car with such a broad power band.

 

Do you know what are you talking about??? 6 speeds close ratio is a great advantage for autocrossing, it keeps the rpm high and some 6 speeds box are geared for top speeds!!!

 

STi dosnt. STis 6 speeds are geared to maximize acceleration.

 

I think I will. I do not feel the need to go beyond stock. WRX was plenty for me on a track. I decided to get STi (or EVO) because I wanted something with less understeer and better brakes. Modding WRX was an option but it expired. And the cost or these mods would put me close to STi/EVO price so why not to get a real thing.
So my STi (probably) would be the one people from Illinois would use to generate posts about a "STi KILL" cause I will not race them on streets. I'd be glad to measure myself on a track, though so let's see.

 

R32 has crap Haldex. Do not count too much on a great track performance from it.

 

Yes, 6spd close-ratio transmissions do tend to keep the rpms up in the peek power band, but Tearitup is right, the Evo's got quite a broad powerband so the advantage is not going to be nearly as noticeable as it regularly would be; I think we'll be fine with the 5spd.