To get it out of (or into) my system I took an RS Focus for a test drive today. It was only a short 20min one so not really any in-depth analysis or comparison to my S1 but thought it worth sharing.
Basics:-
RS is faster but not by as much as I was expecting (in Sport Mode for the engine).
RS Exhaust sound better with a nice pop on lift off but engine sounds and feels coarser than the S1
RS ride in Normal is firmer than S1 in Dynamic but not necessarily better for it and with the RS in Sport Suspension it jiggles/bounces like it cant contain the spring rate initially then over reacts, one for super smooth tarmac only (reminds me of my TVR when its sitting on its bump stops - actually a good comparison i.e. undamped rubber).
RS interior the CS(shell) Recaros are a must (& very comfortable), the rest is stock ford with some extra gauges that I suspect you'll never look at except just before you crash
RS Gearshift is significantly tighter/shorter and more precise than the S1.
Handling wise I suspect the RS would be fun but not more than I feel the S1 is especially with TC disabled as the ford uses its drive train to make it mobile the S1 is due to is diminutive size/wheelbase (IMO).
Would I like an RS probably but not at the loss of the S1, would I like the RS power in the S1, maybe, or maybe just using the revs more has the same effect on twisty b-roads. A-roads the RS would leave the S1 easily but that's license loosing territory.
I suspect the RS is a better financial bet than an S1, especially given the values I seen offered for S1s in the trade, not sure why suspect its a generic VW/Audi emmissions downer on used values and the S1 is a little too off the beaten track to get a "real" valuation.
So If I traded I think I would be buying the RS badge more than the car itself compared to the S1, is that enough? Hmmm maybe a longer test drive is needed over some familiar roads.
Basics:-
RS is faster but not by as much as I was expecting (in Sport Mode for the engine).
RS Exhaust sound better with a nice pop on lift off but engine sounds and feels coarser than the S1
RS ride in Normal is firmer than S1 in Dynamic but not necessarily better for it and with the RS in Sport Suspension it jiggles/bounces like it cant contain the spring rate initially then over reacts, one for super smooth tarmac only (reminds me of my TVR when its sitting on its bump stops - actually a good comparison i.e. undamped rubber).
RS interior the CS(shell) Recaros are a must (& very comfortable), the rest is stock ford with some extra gauges that I suspect you'll never look at except just before you crash
RS Gearshift is significantly tighter/shorter and more precise than the S1.
Handling wise I suspect the RS would be fun but not more than I feel the S1 is especially with TC disabled as the ford uses its drive train to make it mobile the S1 is due to is diminutive size/wheelbase (IMO).
Would I like an RS probably but not at the loss of the S1, would I like the RS power in the S1, maybe, or maybe just using the revs more has the same effect on twisty b-roads. A-roads the RS would leave the S1 easily but that's license loosing territory.
I suspect the RS is a better financial bet than an S1, especially given the values I seen offered for S1s in the trade, not sure why suspect its a generic VW/Audi emmissions downer on used values and the S1 is a little too off the beaten track to get a "real" valuation.
So If I traded I think I would be buying the RS badge more than the car itself compared to the S1, is that enough? Hmmm maybe a longer test drive is needed over some familiar roads.
