Thought this would be an interesting topic for Car Talk.

Seems like these two incredible pocket rockets are coming to the States soon. Finally, right?

The powertrains should give us similar numbers. The pricing for both should be around the same between $30k and $35K.

Which one would you buy and why, if they do come at a similar pricing for similarly loaded models?

I think I would go with Focus RS due to AWD platform! And Love the fact that 70% of power can be sent to the rear end and 100% can go one wheel. That sounds so awesome.

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Ford Focus RS
Turbocharged AWD

2016 Ford Focus RS: This Is Your 320-HP, AWD Monster Hatch From Ford













Honda Civic Type R
Turbocharged FWD

The 2016 Honda Civic Type R Is 310 HP Worth Of Turbo VTEC Craziness

 

RS because AWD.

 

Tough Call.

 

IS the Type R actually coming stateside?

I think I would have to say RS...just change out that grille insert.

 

Agreed, tough choice.
Slight edge toward the Focus, little more aggressive looking & AWD. Nitpicking, don't like the mustache in the front grill on the Focus.

 

Like you OP, I owned a 2011 MS3. Loved the car, it was fantastic. I also had 2 civic hatch Si (EF) and a CRX Si back in the day, so I love hatchbacks.

However, I had a FWD torque steer, and I prefer the AWD, so given the choice you gave, I would buy the Focus RS.

THat said, at 35K, I can get a STi (though sedan with the old motor), or the 2017 MS3, which might be the ticket.

 

I really like the idea of Honda releasing a turbocharged Type-R to the states because it shows a change and a step forward, I really do ... however the FWD platform will never appeal to me in a true performance application.

FWD cars nowadays are coming out with some impressive engineering: clever front differentials, traction control systems, updated suspension geometry to give less understeer & more lift off oversteer. All fine and dandy, it's just not for me.

If I had the option between the two, it would be the Focus RS no doubt.

A car that can do daily & hooning duties is the next car for me.

PS, I think the Focus ST & Honda Type R would be a more fair comparison.

 

Focus RS. No doubt. The AWD comes in quite handy with the MN winters. Also, it's much less brash looking than the CTR. Lastly, no one knows if the CTR is going to come to the US in the current generation. Likely won't be until the next model redesign.

I plan on buying a FoRS ASAP after order books open. First thing will be to ditch the mustache, I'm guessing the aftermarket for that mod will be quite saturated.

PS, Ford just announced that the RS will come with a specific "drift mode" setting for the TCS and AWD on the RS. Seems that every time Honda comes out with something, Ford is ready with something better to rain on their parade.

 

I'd lean towards the Ford. I like the look better + AWD... so that would push me in that direction...

 

the honda looks too riced out. (Honda, riced out? you dont say)

 

Seriously. Remember when Honda finally introduced the production model of NSX couple months back? Ford released the Ford GT out of nowhere.

I would put those huge rally style fog lights on the mustache of RS front bumper.

 

The civic looks about as riced out as the previous subaru STI hatch.

 

Come on man. Really?



I personally love the styling of this Civic Type R though. Don't think it looks ricey much. It's just very aggressive.

 

As great as the CTR has been through the generations, you have to swallow the fact you're going to be hounded by folks why you dumped $30K on a Civic & why it looks the way it does; this is the Euro-style body after all.

Give me the RS.

 

If I cared what people thought about what I drove, I wouldn't be driving an Acura.

 

Ford all day long. The fwd sports car is myth like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness monster, and Slash.

 

+1

 

I vote Ford. Because Honda.

Is the Honda actually coming?

 

^^
CTR is speculation, like the JFK killer behind the grassy knoll

 

Never said anything about caring what others think, just what to expect from folks when you tell them you paid $30K+ for a Civic.

 

Do they really need those big ass wing!?!?! the RS wings doesn't block your view.

more towards the RS. Honda needs to install SHAWD then ill go with the civic-r

 

RS because the CTR isn't coming to the US. Although I think I'd take an Evo instead.

 

Type R, all day, any day.

If any of you have driven a Type R in the past, you'd likely vote the same. Nothing short of amazing, even though they're FWD. Too many people jump on that band wagon. While AWD will likely net faster times, I find it makes a car too predictable and refined- I prefer the rawness of the R.

Plus Honda reliability > ford reliability.

I'm still not convinced Fords turbo systems will stand the test of time.

 

And paying $30K+ for a Focus is somehow better?

 

I totally agree that Civic Type R should be compared to the Focus ST not RS.

The Focus RS looks so much better than the Civic Type R

 

Yesss. From day 1 I thought the new sti looked way too edgy like someone put an aftermarket body kit on it. I love the rs 04 and 06 sti. The new one just looked big and bulky.
I feel the same about this new civic. Really edgy and bulky. Less is more.

For the record the side profile is the most flattering and white hides a lot of it as well.

From behind they look gross.

 

I've driven an Integra type R many times, it is amazing for a front drive car. As fun as it was it doesn't compare to a rwd or awd sports car. When you've had some seat time in real performance cars, fwd won't get you excited anymore.

You want rawness and unpredictability, buy an air cooled 911.

 

What makes you think that?

Their FI systems use BorgWarner K03s & Garrett GT15s for FWD, AWD, and RWD EcoBoost applications. Assuming they know how to tune their cars, I'm sure they'll be just as reliable as any other FI application.

 

And the EVO is now discontinued in the US. Which, for a new car, would put you again in the RS.

 

As much of hater as I am, i am still Honda fan.

If the specs are true and it is coming to the US, i would get the CTR but definitely not at $35k.

 

I've driven cars with all drivetrain setup types. While FWD isn't the greatest or fastest, I absolutely love mashing it. I grew up with early 90s Hondas/Acuras running through my blood.

To each their own, but drivetrain setup doesn't dictate excitement for me. FWD is fun (read: not better), but for different reasons than AWD or RWD.

 

I don't necessarily mean the turbos themselves, as like you said, they are sourced from other companies. But more so the entire turbo package. Like I said, time will tell whether they'll last the test of time. Hopefully they do so that Ford keeps using them

 

Pass. Ill buy a s2k

 

RS all the way. I almost pulled the trigger on a Fiesta ST new late last year (got my 3G TL used instead), I'm in love with Ford's aggressive styling as of late, and I think the performance speaks for itself!

 

I'm curious, does anybody know the curb weight of the CTR?

 

Evo might be discontinued, but my local dealer still has 17 2015's in stock.

 

I'm not a hater, I still own my cls 6mt, it replaced my 5th gen prelude which came after a long line of accords. After my time working for porsche I just can't get excited being pulled down the road. In my "perfect car" I'd have rwd, awd would be a distant second but it would still get my attention over fwd

 

I will say the RS would be my choice.

I just had the Focus as a rental car to go on a business trip. 6 plus hours each way on the Autobahn with their 3 cylinder with an automatic. The car handled really well for having just a three banger and winter tires. It was at about 3750 RPM @ 110 mph without any issues. The car was planted and felt fine , not too noisy.

If the FWD car I had is any indication of Ford's engineering, the RS will be really good.

 

Are they offering crazy discounts on the EVOs on the lot?

 

Type-R, because reliability...