I will test drive this and see how it compares to my Audi S3. I doubt it'll be better, but if it is I am not opposed to changing cars.

 

prediction:
RS better drivers car
S3 better everything else car (except maybe mpg, that can go either way)

 

s3 is weak, saw a couple s4 on the dyno the other week neither broke 300whp

 

Golf R is already a better drivers car than the Audi S3 and they are basically 98% the same. Same motor, drivetrain and chassis but the R has always been the "edgier" one.

I think comparison of the Focus RS is better pointed towards the Golf R.

 

They'e apples to oranges cars. The S3 appeals to a different crowd, and designed for street driving, not drifting and track driving.

 

Now we are talking about drifting? Ugh I should have stayed out of this thread.

 

For good or bad, the RS is supposed to have a drift mode, and obviously the preview videos have emphasized its ability to go sideways.

That's probably good for Ford dealers who'll be fixing all the broken ****...

 

I'm referring to the drifting button that the RS has. Not competitive drifting or anything like that.

 

So all the Ford engineers sitting around the table and one said, " Hey let's install drift mode in an AWD car." Personally I think it was probably laughed at but then the Ford came on. So the argument as to whether or not FWD is better or RWD is better then AWD. Ford has had it all on the table I am sure with this car.

Focus RS was originally a FWD car
Latest RS design to embrace AWD
RS feature included in an AWD product to promote an inherent quality of RWD cars.
Drift mode

This threads recent discussions probably mimic what Fords design engineers may have went through concerning what drive mode it would pursue.

 

Drift mode? I am sure there will be some warranty concerns. Dealership reads ECU stating it was in Drift Mode, warranty denied

 

I can see "drift mode" simply disabling the nannies, and making haldex and rear diff more aggressive/proactive to inputs, possibly even running a rear power bias.

 

the first Focus RS was fwd, sure, but RS doesn't mean FWD. in the 90's europe had the Escort RS which was AWD, and before that they had RWD RS models...

so all RS really means is a high performance model, going off Fords history with it, they don't have to stick to any drive train configuration

 

All the Focus RS's have been FWD. Escort RS1600 was RWD, RS200 was AWD, Sierra RS Cosworth was RWD, Escort RS Cosworth was AWD

 

you're kinda making my point here. the important part of this badge is the RS part, not the Focus part. and as you pointed out, RS has been all over the place with which wheels are powered... there's no tradition with that to the RS name

 

Yup, was just expanding on your statement.