Ford Focus RS vs Honda Civic Type R vs VW Golf R drag race & review | Head2Head

TL;DR

Ford Focus RS wins drag race against Honda Civic Type R and VW Golf R.

Transcript

so we've got two all-wheel drive hot hatches and one front-wheel drive one now we all know what we think's going to happen but how will things actually play out sorry guys but before we answer that particular question we need to first look at the protagonists the new Ford Focus RS it's got a 2.3 l turbocharged engine with 350 horsepower 470 newm of... Read More

Key Insights

• The Ford Focus RS features a 2.3L turbocharged engine with 350 horsepower and all-wheel drive, offering a thrilling driving experience.
• The VW Golf R, with its 2L turbocharged engine and 300 horsepower, is the most comfortable and versatile for daily driving.
• The Honda Civic Type R, though front-wheel drive, provides exceptional agility and precision, making it ideal for track enthusiasts.
• The Ford Focus RS has a poor turning circle and stiff suspension, making it less practical for everyday urban driving.
• The VW Golf R's adaptive dampers provide excellent comfort, but its all-wheel drive system is less sophisticated than the Focus RS.
• Despite being front-wheel drive, the Civic Type R offers impressive grip and traction, especially on dry tracks.
• The Golf R has the most practical interior with the best rear passenger space and a user-friendly infotainment system.
• The Ford Focus RS is the most fun on the track with its drift mode and rear-drive feel, but its interior feels less premium.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the Ford Focus RS stand out in this comparison?

The Ford Focus RS stands out due to its 2.3L turbocharged engine with 350 horsepower and a sophisticated torque vectoring all-wheel drive system. This system can send up to 70% of power to the rear wheels, making the car feel rear-drive biased and providing maximum traction, especially on tracks.

Q: How does the VW Golf R perform in daily driving conditions?

The VW Golf R excels in daily driving conditions thanks to its comfortable ride, especially with the optional adaptive dampers. It offers a smooth and comfortable experience in Comfort mode, making it easy to forget it's a performance car. Its practical interior and user-friendly infotainment system add to its appeal for everyday use.

Q: What are the strengths of the Honda Civic Type R on the track?

The Honda Civic Type R is highly agile and precise on the track, thanks to its lighter weight compared to the other two cars. It features a 2L turbocharged engine that encourages high-rev driving, and its front-wheel drive setup offers impressive grip and traction. The car's sharp handling and responsive controls make it a favorite for track enthusiasts.

Q: What are some drawbacks of the Ford Focus RS for everyday use?

For everyday use, the Ford Focus RS has a few drawbacks, including a poor turning circle and a firm suspension that can make urban driving uncomfortable. Additionally, its interior feels less premium compared to the other two cars, with some cheap-feeling materials and a small boot space, making it less practical for daily activities.

Q: How does the VW Golf R's all-wheel drive compare to the Focus RS?

The VW Golf R's all-wheel drive system is less sophisticated than the Ford Focus RS. While it provides good grip and stability, it doesn't offer the same rear-drive feel or torque vectoring capabilities as the Focus RS. This results in a slightly less engaging driving experience, especially on tracks or during spirited driving.

Q: What is the interior experience like in the Honda Civic Type R?

The interior of the Honda Civic Type R is the most flamboyant of the three, with a sporty design and decent rear seat space. However, it has a confusing infotainment system that may detract from the overall experience. Despite this, the car's controls are well-weighted and provide a pleasurable driving experience, even at lower speeds.

Q: Is the Ford Focus RS suitable for track beginners?

Yes, the Ford Focus RS is suitable for track beginners, thanks to its drift mode, which allows for more playful driving while maintaining control. This mode is great for beginners to explore the car's capabilities without compromising safety. However, with all driver's aids off, the car becomes even more fun and engaging for more experienced drivers.

Q: How does the Honda Civic Type R's engine compare to the others?

The Honda Civic Type R's 2L turbocharged engine is highly suited for track use, encouraging drivers to rev it out and chase the red line. It offers less turbo lag than the VW Golf R's engine and provides a more engaging experience. However, its engine note is considered dull compared to the more exciting sounds of the Ford Focus RS.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R, and VW Golf R are compared in a head-to-head review, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in various driving conditions.

• The Ford Focus RS excels on the track with its torque vectoring all-wheel drive system, while the Civic Type R shines in precision and agility despite being front-wheel drive.

• The VW Golf R is the most comfortable and practical for daily use, though it lacks the playful nature of the Focus RS and the track prowess of the Civic Type R.