Haha I have a Titanium 😂 it's the 5 speed manual though, and I've done an intake, exhaust, tune, and a few other odds and ends. Its really slow either way, but it's unbelievably fun to drive and I probably won't ever sell it.
I wish he would have properly warmed up the car. If you noticed he was running it hard on the throttle cold which is a no no. I do say I absolutely love my 17 ST.
Hey bud - FYI like the Probe in your thumbnail. I have a '13 ST2, and it has been E30 tuned for the past 2.5 - 3 years (maybe longer). It has 117K miles on it, and I have maintained it very well, a notch under meticulous. The overall condition of it looks fantastic, even the seats, and with the tune and minor mods done it still pulls very very good. I still love it, and do not want to part ways with it. I may get a new car soon, but would not trade in the ST I think.
I've had my 16 Focus ST since new and currently at 102,000 miles. FBO and tuned since 36k. Great reliable fun car. I'm never getting rid of this thing.
I had a 2008 Si, and it was great. Cheap, reliable, and fun were the traits I loved most about it. I had a 2013 st2, and the same words could be used to describe it. If I were choosing between both today, I personally would choose an st2 or st3. The higher power number and added hatchback utility are why. However, I truly think each car is great in its own right.
@@ghostpimpthe si is only better when your talking about extreme mods like a supercharger or turbo. The focus st makes quite a bit more whp and torque with basic bolt ons. I owned both and the st is better in alot of ways but i will say the si had more character in the higher rpms
@@volvo09 nice I still have my 02 RSX-S and I don't think I'll ever sell it. Just something about the car is fun even if it's not fast by modern standards
I feel like a better comparison would be the Si vs a Fiesta ST. Similar power, closer in price range, drives more like the civic than the focus, just all around more similar. Still great video!
I actually just traded an 8th gen Civic SI for a focus st and for me it's no contest when comparing stock to stock. The focus st is without a doubt the better car and that's coming from a Honda guy.
As an 13' ST1 Focus owner I will say you can't go wrong with either. It will come out to preference. That Civic in particular I love too. Both fun "affordable" cars and very tunable to your liking. No you don't want the ST1 radio trust me...
Had a 2007 civic Si and by far the most fun car I've owned, i remember it always putting a smile on my face on the way to school or work and the cops loved it too
I had an 07 Si, funnest car, not the fastest, I’ve ever owned. And I couldn’t kill it, it last 170k miles and I dogged it everyday, never had any issues, trades it in for my MK7 GTI, didn’t dog it, took car of it, only last 67k miles.
My 2008 Civic Si was fantastic. I loved how it drove around in the city or on roadtrips, but it had a completely different, much more lively personality when you brought the RPMs up. To me, it was the best of both worlds: usable and fun. After someone rear-ended my 08, I bought a 2012 Si--it was the worst car I'd ever owned. It constantly broke down, it felt cheaper than my 2008, the materials were bottom-grade, and the new 2.4L engine felt less spry than its predecessor, albeit more torquey. I finally traded up to a 2022 Si last year, and I love it. It feels closer to the ST you drove. It's more tame, more civilized, more refined, but it's still ready to go at the drop of a hat and the press of a pedal. I'm in my 30's now, so I highly appreciate the added refinement. It's almost like the Si grew up with me. That said, if I had this 2022 Si in my teens or early 20's, I'd probably hate it. It's the same reason I chose the 8th gen Si over the ST when I was considering both all those years ago.
Man I lost my 8th gen as well this December ‘22. Same Amethyst Pearl color, tastefully modded on the ext. stock motor, but yes, I have a 2015 sedan now, and the motors despite being Vtec are way different 😂. 8th gen is the way to go if you can find one at all in mint condition. Vtec is way more aggressive and the engine feels way more lively, it actually screams at that 8000 lol
@@ericzapata8877 Sorry for your loss, man. Those 8th gens have a soul all their own. If I could afford another one in good condition, I'd buy it as a weekender and boost it.
in about 2014 I test drove a 9th gen and was horrified that the clutch, brakes, and steering were by comparison to 8th gen, completely numb. And my butt dyno said the motor felt like a huge step backwards. Still have my 8th gen
been rocking a 2018 ST for almost 5 years. have put 100k miles since new and taken it across 35+ states. the thing is a tank. the biggest knock on this generation of focus was the DCT, but the manual takes care of that. ford europe took helm on this platform, so it's more like a european car than it is american.
Had both, loved both. Sold my big turbo 2013 ST2 to buy my house, moved back to an 8th Gen once again. My old 2012 Sedan is my favorite car so far, but man was I obsessed with my Focus.
Civic all the way. Theres a reason why k and b series dominate for fwd cars. no hate on the focus tho they are quick and look great but Honda is more superior in my opinion. K20 engine is also way better for boost and all motor option too. K24 block paired with the K20 head then itll be even more torque. Theres a reason you dont ever see focus STs on the fwd class at the dragstrip. Honda is the more reliable choice.
I had a ‘09 Civic Si coupe in white and it may possibly be my favorite car. It was fun, economical and just perfect. I kind of think that the GR86 would give me a similar experience today.
I had an 06 in 2008 when I learned manual. I drove it hard constantly and it never broke. Ive owned 2 built WRX and a M35i since and I had to go back to a 2015 si. I just love them, especially supercharged :)
and more importantly, at least till 2016 is sync 2 sucks so bad. my 2015 SHO has the same sync 2 that would have been in this car. I dream about replacing it all the time.
@@RayoAtra 2015 ST owner here and Sync 1 is awful. The car literally doesn't even need a screen lol. No backup camera, and the screen is too far to touch while sitting in a normal driving position.
St2 owner here so Im optioned out and Idk what sony did but the messed up big time plus its much more expensive to replace it with an aftermarket unit because of the Dsp.
I had an 2003 SVT Focus and added a Steeda "Cold Air" intake system but aside from the added noise it did give me better MPG's. I would go with the Focus all over again no question!
Was a huge 1st gen Focus fan, I actually had a liquid grey Mach audio ZTS I modded to get towards 200 hp or so. Bodykit, wheels, windsheild banners, racing seats. Loved it for 7 years. I traded it in 2010 for the 8th gen Si I still own because I cant part with it.
I have a 2014 Focus ST with a Steeda cold air intake with crossover pipe and a Velossatech Big Mouth. The Steeda intake seals against under the hood to keep out hot air, my iat''s are consistently 5 degrees cooler than ambient and MPG has increased by 3 to 4 tenths.
Honestly the intake doesn’t mean too much on a turbo car. The air is about to get heated to 160+ degrees Fahrenheit when it’s gets compressed by the turbo. An intake that can handle the volume of air you need and a quality intercooler is really the setup you need.
I'd have to take the focus. I'm a wider guy myself, and I've sat in both. The bace focus seats do not have aggressive side bolstering and are much more comfortable for my back.
Love my 2008 Si coupe. I put intake and exhaust on mine and she’s a screamer. So the Honda would be my pick. High revving engine, VTEC, nearly bulletproof engine, and parts galore. And I like the Focus, but I am a Honda Fanboy.
Bought a new 8th gen in 2009, it was a leftover 2008 model. Drove it for 4 years and 80k miles before moving into something with a V8. To this day I think that 8th gen was my favorite car. After some suspension and brake upgrades it was a cornering monster. Adding a supercharger would have made it perfect.
I’ve driven both. I own an 8th gen si. When u get the civic to full bolt ons and tuned. It is way more fun than the st. Handles better and feels a lot more raw. Way better car in my opinion
No aftermarket blow off valve that noise you hear is the stock blow off valve or recirculation valve putting the charge pipe air back into the intake...you only hear it because it has that open filter on the inrake
Brendan - you have to take the Si all the way to 8200 rpm and shift with a little more authority. The car rewards precision and will keep you in VTEC where you were short shifting and kept falling out of it. Maybe not as forgiving and daily driving fun as a turbo car but so much more rewarding when driven right, the 8th GM Si is an automotive gem.
people who don't own or drive Hondas are so scared of doing what the engine was made to too it always makes me face palm. Rev it out it. These engines can go to 8600 forever with hondata 😂
I love my Focus. It's a 2001 ZX3 hatch with the dohc and the 5 speed. It's not fast, bit it's a blast to drive. I bought 2 of them new in 01 I liked them so much. The newer generation seems very claustrophobic to me. It like the a, b, and c pillars are very large and you're very disconnected from the outside for some reason. Those Civic Si's are really fun to drive too. That vtec makes me feel like it's running a small motorcycle engine the way that powerband works. Oth fun, cheap cars!
I’ve owned 2 Focus ST’s, a 2014 and 2016. Both were ST3 trims with the Recaros. The lower trims have that tiny infotainment screen. The previous owner installed an aftermarket radio which included the tiny screen.
I compromised more on that grown up package and got me a 07 tsx with the 6 speed. No sports car by any stretch, but a great driving experience with hondas magical gearing.
The FD2 Civic Type R sedan is still arguably the best Civic Type R ever, and the FA5/FG2 Civic Si is really not *that* far away from it. There's an old Motortrend video where the editor takes the Mugen Civic Si out around Willow Springs and he's loving it! Meanwhile Richard Meadon from Evo magazine called the actual FD2 Civic Type R "like a drug" around Silverstone. 🙂 No turbo? Slower than an Lancer Evo, WRX STi, Megane RS, and indeed Focus ST and other such turbocharged vehicles? It really doesn't matter, arguably, it's all about smiles per mile.
The 8th generation civic Si is not only a cheap car that doesn't cost a lot but it's also a fun car to have and to begin with I've bought my first 2009 civic Si coupe last year and didn't regret buying it i can't stop enjoying the high revving k20z3 and plus all the parts you can put in for more power is awesome
Cant go wrong with that SI, best version ever. I don't care about the more torque from the next gen K24, not even mention the 1.5T. K20 on this gen has the sweetest character, sound and top end. You can actually use it and enjoy it, get the full range of rpm without going to jail lol
Yeah if you pay 800$ for hondata you get huge increase in the mid range low end and can rev to 8600 rpm it's nuts and the throttle response is unlike any car
Kinda sad that 8, 9, and 10g Sis are expensive! Can’t find any for a reasonable price nowadays, and the same goes for Accord 2.0Ts/V6s. Actually, this seems to be true for all Hondas.
Having driven both, I'd have a hard time picking. You are correct that the ST is just a more grown up Si. The Si, even though it's not as powerful as the ST, just feels lively and raucous. It's one of those cars where you can use all of it even on your daily commute. The ST, on the other hand, feels smoother, more planted, quieter and is faster. Add to that the fact that it's a hatch with decent room for the family and it's quite practical. It just doesn't feel as exciting.
i currently have an ep3 si, and after driving my friend’s fbo tuned 8th gen, i loved it. the sound, the lsd, and the experience was awesome. makes me wish we got the ep3 type r in the states even more.
A used Civic Si is so hard to find in good condition with low miles. Most have been dogged out and abused and heavily modded up. A Focus is much easier to find and offers better performance.
I got a 13’ SI and it’s definitely one of my favorite cars I’ve ever driven. It’s not super fast but it’s super fun and practical, good space for stuff and 4 doors to carry friends around as well as that little spice when you need it. They’re kinda like a chihuahua where they got all the bark and aggression but not too much power to back it up.
I resonate with this comparison. I’ve had cars like a 2013 500 Abarth and a 2014 Focus ST. Fun cars and miss them. But picked up a 2007 FG2 Civ Si for a track/daily fun car for $5000 and love it even more, I’ve always loved reliable high revving NA Honda, not small turbos falling on their faces at higher rpm. It needs suspension and small tweaks for track duty, but as it is it stands makes 220whp NA with just I/E/H and flashpro tune, so maybe 250hp at the engine. 2750lb curb weight compared to my Focus ST3 that came in at 3250lb.
Had my 07 Si since 2010. Test drove a new Foci ST in 13. I thought it was pretty good, torque for days but a let down towards redline. the seat was weird to me and the throttle seemed vague. I thought the car was good but fell well short of the Si's military grade tactile character. Got back in my Si, ripped the TEC, and grinned ear at just how much more fun the Si is to drive. I still own it because It just feels so special, It's like driving a homoligated rally car from the 80's. The damn 8th gen is a driving masterpiece! Was still a fan of the ST, and prior to the Si I had a gen 1 Focus I loved dearly.
Still the owner of a 2007 Si sedan since 2010. Bought it in locate dealership showroom with 35,999 miles. At time of this comment, she has 74997 miles. Was a semi daily up until 2013. Then ONLY used for AutoX, Drag, and Track.
I have a second gen '18 ST. That power is nice when you want to pass in a hurry. Passing zones here can be kinda short. That being said there are a lot of things I would like to change. If only I could have the Interior of my "old" 2011 Mazda 3 in it, liked it MUCH better
Well when you have a 280 - 290 lb driver (correct me if this figure is way off) plus the camera man (180 - 190 lbs) then for sure it will dull the naturally aspirated Honda's performance. Guarantee. While the turbocharged Focus, having much more torque, will be affected less by such weight of driver and occupant.
I would pick the Ford if it was as reliable and handled as well as the Honda but thats just not the case unfortunately. Ive driven both and owned several Hondas so im probably biased but that's just my opinion on the two.
Not quite the same, but I hopped out of my 2016 Fiesta ST and into a 2019 two-door Civic SI. I worked at honda, and I really thought I'd like it better. It was like leaving the bedside of a loyal but kinky 7, and going to bed with a 9 who wants to take care of you, but didn't tell you she only likes women.
I love my 8th gen It's not that fast but it's fun, reliable and good on gas. Has basic mods and suspension, about 200whp. Probably about as quick as a stock ST but an st with a tune will beat me easy
I ❤ the Fiesta STs, personally cooler looking car. More reminiscent of small sporty euro-& jdm cars of the past. That made their respective brands So cool to begin with.
@@ElliottTAlphaG700I had two of them and they're an absolute blast and highly recommended! Having said that oddly enough I also had 2 SVT Focus. The handling on those is exemplary especially in their day but if you can afford the Fiesta ST, I would go with that. That little turbocharged motor makes it a microbeast
@Lance Mannion I can afford a lot 🤣. I was just saying of the 2, I like it's styling more. Last car I bought, was a nearly pristine 1987 Daimler Sovereign(Looks like a Jaguar Vanden Plas - Just better 🤣)Double Six(V12) RHD. While I was in London. I might**keep the engine. But probably end up engine swapping w/an LS7 or LT4. Sleeper car though.
For me, I prefer the driving experience of the Si. I even prefer the experience of an SVT Focus of the ST. Something about a high revving engine. I just can’t enjoy 5,500 RPM shift points. Even my EJ205 turns 7k RPM lol. Speed isn’t everything.
I couldn't stand my Escape anymore so I traded it in on a Focus ST. What a difference on the same chasis! Gets better mileage too. I had a Fiesta ST and it was too small when we had our son, now im done with SUVs
@@djdevontay These car companies are following directive. Clearly they’re being forced out of selling small cars. They need to keep us all poor for inflation
I have the 07 blue SI sedan 180k it had the infamous clearcoat issues when i bought it. gotta fresh paint and coat job a few years ago still looks and drives great best car I've ever owned
If you want something a bit rough around the edges try out a Fiesta ST. Mine has a Cobb exhaust, Montune Intercooler, ST200 intake kit, Mountune radiator with the OEM factory tune. With the traction control off it's traction limited in 2nd gear. One big plus is the handling, it's 500 lbs lighter than the Focus ST and extremely responsive. Yeah, 0-60 is only 6.5 seconds but it's enough to put a smile on my face and it will get 40 mpg on the highway if I actually get premium fuel at the premium pump. Note, Octane cheating is widespread and I suspect that it's the distributors doing the Fraud. My car like many other turbocharged engines is Octane sensitive and as the engine pulls timing whenever any of the 4 knock sensors detect detonation the immediate response is about a 4 mpg drop in fuel economy. Go on a long trip, stop to fill up, and the fuel minder will tell me I've been robbed as soon as the new fuel makes it to the injectors. Hopefully the Direct Injection Water/Methanol will provide me a workaround for Octane Cheaters.
Really miss my 2013 ST but unfortunately they are currently hard to find in my area. They either have way too many miles and over modified, or they are asking a fortune for them. Looking forward to the day used cars come back to earth.
The stock intake sits right where this aftermarket one sits. The one I have has a block off from the rest of the engine bay. Between that and my intercooler, my charge air temps are about 10-15 degrees warmer than ambient, when before those two changes it would be 100+ degrees over ambient fyi. Also, that ST for sure does not have a bov. I have my bov as quiet as can be and i can hear it inside the car with the windows up all day. The only complaint I have with the ST is no lsd... When I got my ST, I had the option to get a 2015 Civic Si. The Si just didnt cut it for me...
As someone who still owns my 8th gen, When I test drove a new 14 Si, I was horrified at how numb everything was. It drove like 2015 Sentra IMO. Really made me feel bad for the Si brand. ST easy win over 9th gen for me too, though I've only just driven one, of course I think the ST was marginally more money new, but leagues better in just feel alone. I did choose my 8th gen over an ST though. As a Focus fan, I wouldnt mind both, but I also want too many cars at once!
I would take the Civic. Have been a Honda fan for years. I regret selling my 91 civic crx si long time ago. But fortunately in 2019, i found an 09 Si sedan stock with 49k miles for 10k. Going to keep it stock and never going to get rid of it. Love driving it and Vtec just kicked in. 😂
I've bene looking at Si from this era and they are difficult to find in clean condition. Most are now clapped out or need new engines / clutches and their bodies are trashed. Hard to find a clean one that is well taken care of.
Yeah, these cars got used and abused. That is a nice clean one. I have an 09 that I've had since 11 and the interior is as clean as that one, I have taken great care of it.... But the paint is faded, pretty much all of the clear coat has peeled off on the roof, hood, and top of the doors and fenders years ago.
They got used and abused because they are/were affordable reliable fun cars for people that needed all three in one package. They weren’t garage queens. They don’t make cars like this anymore..
@@noneyabizz8337 So just find a nice one. It's not like the older Focus ST Mk2 / XR5 with the five-cylinder Volvo engine has a reputation for being tastefully modified either! It's almost a miracle to see one of those without a tacky pop-bang ECU map on it...
Wow you managed to actually find a Honda civic in that generation that actually has paint and clear coat on it
Indeed very hard to find a clean and unmolested one!
There was a full paint recall on these so it’s probably been fixed
umm why wouldn't it have paint and clear coat you F o ** ooo** l
ummm why wouldn't it have clear coat and paint
fool
I’ve been driving the Focus ST for almost 10 years and after 287k miles I have no regrets.
traded my '16 in 3 years ago....i miss it dearly. 😭
Haha I have a Titanium 😂 it's the 5 speed manual though, and I've done an intake, exhaust, tune, and a few other odds and ends. Its really slow either way, but it's unbelievably fun to drive and I probably won't ever sell it.
I wish he would have properly warmed up the car. If you noticed he was running it hard on the throttle cold which is a no no. I do say I absolutely love my 17 ST.
I still have my 2017 focus ST with 96k miles no issues.
Hey bud - FYI like the Probe in your thumbnail. I have a '13 ST2, and it has been E30 tuned for the past 2.5 - 3 years (maybe longer). It has 117K miles on it, and I have maintained it very well, a notch under meticulous. The overall condition of it looks fantastic, even the seats, and with the tune and minor mods done it still pulls very very good. I still love it, and do not want to part ways with it. I may get a new car soon, but would not trade in the ST I think.
I've had my 16 Focus ST since new and currently at 102,000 miles. FBO and tuned since 36k. Great reliable fun car. I'm never getting rid of this thing.
I truly love my 16 FoST too. Best car I've ever had. These little things are beasts!
i'm with you, 18 ST1 with 100k miles. Tuned since 60k.
Just thing about my St breaks my heart, I don’t think I can ever sell it
I had a 2008 Si, and it was great. Cheap, reliable, and fun were the traits I loved most about it. I had a 2013 st2, and the same words could be used to describe it. If I were choosing between both today, I personally would choose an st2 or st3. The higher power number and added hatchback utility are why. However, I truly think each car is great in its own right.
Stock & practicality the st2 & 3 definitely win, modified I think the Honda takes it
@@ghostpimpthe si is only better when your talking about extreme mods like a supercharger or turbo. The focus st makes quite a bit more whp and torque with basic bolt ons. I owned both and the st is better in alot of ways but i will say the si had more character in the higher rpms
Love the 8th gen si. Last of the high revving N/A hondas
Yep, I love mine. Have had it since 11, such a fun engine.
@@volvo09 nice I still have my 02 RSX-S and I don't think I'll ever sell it. Just something about the car is fun even if it's not fast by modern standards
@@2strokeFORever those are very fun cars! Cable throttle, I wish my Si had one, but a retune was able to fix it good enough.
Agreed! Turbo four cylinders are almost all much of a muchness -- they are so bland! Sometimes quality beats quantity.
@@TassieLorenzo tell me how you’ve never owned a turbo car, without telling me…
I feel like a better comparison would be the Si vs a Fiesta ST. Similar power, closer in price range, drives more like the civic than the focus, just all around more similar. Still great video!
I think these two are compared because of their size. The Fiesta is a bit smaller than either of them, maybe a Fit Si? Haha
I actually just traded an 8th gen Civic SI for a focus st and for me it's no contest when comparing stock to stock. The focus st is without a doubt the better car and that's coming from a Honda guy.
Interesting view! The FoST doesn't even have an LSD, no?
Agreed. Especially ST2 or 3. They are quite nice cars.
If you were a honda guy, you would have got a Type R.
I've never driven one in real life, but the 09 Si was my favorite car in NFS Shift. That first person view with a steering wheel was amazing.
They are lacking luster tbh
@@tyhyhh you lack taste you have no clue what you’re talking about
The cockpit is sick on these
As an 13' ST1 Focus owner I will say you can't go wrong with either. It will come out to preference. That Civic in particular I love too. Both fun "affordable" cars and very tunable to your liking. No you don't want the ST1 radio trust me...
ST1 radio is...yeah lol. mine is an ST1 but i bought the car for the driving experience so i'm not complaining
Wow, youre making me happy i sprung for the ST2 pack. Which i did mostly for the radio..
am i the only one here with a st3 Fiesta ST? lol
the ratio of Fiestas to Foci is like 1:3 I swear lol
@Jbam 222 had one fbo hybrid turbo 300hp fun car was not that great with the factory turbo
Had a 2007 civic Si and by far the most fun car I've owned, i remember it always putting a smile on my face on the way to school or work and the cops loved it too
I had an 07 Si, funnest car, not the fastest, I’ve ever owned. And I couldn’t kill it, it last 170k miles and I dogged it everyday, never had any issues, trades it in for my MK7 GTI, didn’t dog it, took car of it, only last 67k miles.
I have a 17 Focus ST and absolutely love it. I’d love to upgrade to the RS in the future
My 2008 Civic Si was fantastic. I loved how it drove around in the city or on roadtrips, but it had a completely different, much more lively personality when you brought the RPMs up. To me, it was the best of both worlds: usable and fun.
After someone rear-ended my 08, I bought a 2012 Si--it was the worst car I'd ever owned. It constantly broke down, it felt cheaper than my 2008, the materials were bottom-grade, and the new 2.4L engine felt less spry than its predecessor, albeit more torquey.
I finally traded up to a 2022 Si last year, and I love it. It feels closer to the ST you drove. It's more tame, more civilized, more refined, but it's still ready to go at the drop of a hat and the press of a pedal. I'm in my 30's now, so I highly appreciate the added refinement. It's almost like the Si grew up with me. That said, if I had this 2022 Si in my teens or early 20's, I'd probably hate it. It's the same reason I chose the 8th gen Si over the ST when I was considering both all those years ago.
Man I lost my 8th gen as well this December ‘22. Same Amethyst Pearl color, tastefully modded on the ext. stock motor, but yes, I have a 2015 sedan now, and the motors despite being Vtec are way different 😂. 8th gen is the way to go if you can find one at all in mint condition. Vtec is way more aggressive and the engine feels way more lively, it actually screams at that 8000 lol
@@ericzapata8877 Sorry for your loss, man. Those 8th gens have a soul all their own. If I could afford another one in good condition, I'd buy it as a weekender and boost it.
in about 2014 I test drove a 9th gen and was horrified that the clutch, brakes, and steering were by comparison to 8th gen, completely numb. And my butt dyno said the motor felt like a huge step backwards. Still have my 8th gen
All fun and games till you boost a K series 💨
been rocking a 2018 ST for almost 5 years. have put 100k miles since new and taken it across 35+ states. the thing is a tank. the biggest knock on this generation of focus was the DCT, but the manual takes care of that. ford europe took helm on this platform, so it's more like a european car than it is american.
Where is he finding a Focus ST for only $5,000 more than an 08 Civic Si??
Had both, loved both. Sold my big turbo 2013 ST2 to buy my house, moved back to an 8th Gen once again. My old 2012 Sedan is my favorite car so far, but man was I obsessed with my Focus.
Civic all the way. Theres a reason why k and b series dominate for fwd cars. no hate on the focus tho they are quick and look great but Honda is more superior in my opinion. K20 engine is also way better for boost and all motor option too. K24 block paired with the K20 head then itll be even more torque. Theres a reason you dont ever see focus STs on the fwd class at the dragstrip. Honda is the more reliable choice.
I had a ‘09 Civic Si coupe in white and it may possibly be my favorite car. It was fun, economical and just perfect. I kind of think that the GR86 would give me a similar experience today.
I had an 06 in 2008 when I learned manual. I drove it hard constantly and it never broke. Ive owned 2 built WRX and a M35i since and I had to go back to a 2015 si. I just love them, especially supercharged :)
Yea but not the same high revving experience
The aftermarket stereo in the Focus ST is an Alpine and has both Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay. Definitely an upgrade over stock
and more importantly, at least till 2016 is sync 2 sucks so bad. my 2015 SHO has the same sync 2 that would have been in this car. I dream about replacing it all the time.
@@RayoAtra 2015 ST owner here and Sync 1 is awful. The car literally doesn't even need a screen lol. No backup camera, and the screen is too far to touch while sitting in a normal driving position.
Still junk lol. Want a good stereo? Buy the base stereo package, rip it out when you get home, and upgrade with aftermarket…
St2 owner here so Im optioned out and Idk what sony did but the messed up big time plus its much more expensive to replace it with an aftermarket unit because of the Dsp.
I had an 2003 SVT Focus and added a Steeda "Cold Air" intake system but aside from the added noise it did give me better MPG's. I would go with the Focus all over again no question!
Was a huge 1st gen Focus fan, I actually had a liquid grey Mach audio ZTS I modded to get towards 200 hp or so. Bodykit, wheels, windsheild banners, racing seats. Loved it for 7 years. I traded it in 2010 for the 8th gen Si I still own because I cant part with it.
I have a 2014 Focus ST with a Steeda cold air intake with crossover pipe and a Velossatech Big Mouth. The Steeda intake seals against under the hood to keep out hot air, my iat''s are consistently 5 degrees cooler than ambient and MPG has increased by 3 to 4 tenths.
Honestly the intake doesn’t mean too much on a turbo car. The air is about to get heated to 160+ degrees Fahrenheit when it’s gets compressed by the turbo. An intake that can handle the volume of air you need and a quality intercooler is really the setup you need.
An Si hatch would be my choice. I trust the Honda for reliability and need Hatchback utility
Owner of a tuned 19 mustang EB, really miss my 13 ST, was a GREAT car
They really are!
I just got a 2015 civic si It’s super fun to drive I love this car
I'd have to take the focus. I'm a wider guy myself, and I've sat in both. The bace focus seats do not have aggressive side bolstering and are much more comfortable for my back.
I wanted a car similar to these on a limited budget some years ago... bought an 06 PT Cruiser GT 5 speed. Everyone hates my car. :)
Love my 2008 Si coupe. I put intake and exhaust on mine and she’s a screamer. So the Honda would be my pick. High revving engine, VTEC, nearly bulletproof engine, and parts galore. And I like the Focus, but I am a Honda Fanboy.
Bought a new 8th gen in 2009, it was a leftover 2008 model. Drove it for 4 years and 80k miles before moving into something with a V8. To this day I think that 8th gen was my favorite car. After some suspension and brake upgrades it was a cornering monster. Adding a supercharger would have made it perfect.
I like that one guys supercharge civic si on YT. Guy is beating hellcats.
I’ve driven both. I own an 8th gen si. When u get the civic to full bolt ons and tuned. It is way more fun than the st. Handles better and feels a lot more raw. Way better car in my opinion
A 2.0l NA engine making 197 HP is nuts. Acura’s 2.4l engine in the ILX makes 201 HP but it’s almost half a liter bigger.
More torque
It’s the Civic for me. 8000 rpm of K20 VTEC goodness, lower price, and reliability. I hope these 8th gen SIs stay affordable.
The 2013-18 ST's are just as reliable - if not more reliable. Check out the stats on them
I have a 07 civic si in silver 107k miles on the odometer bone stock and no clear coat fading… slow but fun to drive
Still daily driving a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire Coupe with the LN2. Plenty fun to drive.
No aftermarket blow off valve that noise you hear is the stock blow off valve or recirculation valve putting the charge pipe air back into the intake...you only hear it because it has that open filter on the inrake
Brendan - you have to take the Si all the way to 8200 rpm and shift with a little more authority. The car rewards precision and will keep you in VTEC where you were short shifting and kept falling out of it.
Maybe not as forgiving and daily driving fun as a turbo car but so much more rewarding when driven right, the 8th GM Si is an automotive gem.
people who don't own or drive Hondas are so scared of doing what the engine was made to too it always makes me face palm. Rev it out it. These engines can go to 8600 forever with hondata 😂
I love my Focus. It's a 2001 ZX3 hatch with the dohc and the 5 speed. It's not fast, bit it's a blast to drive. I bought 2 of them new in 01 I liked them so much. The newer generation seems very claustrophobic to me. It like the a, b, and c pillars are very large and you're very disconnected from the outside for some reason. Those Civic Si's are really fun to drive too. That vtec makes me feel like it's running a small motorcycle engine the way that powerband works. Oth fun, cheap cars!
I’ve owned 2 Focus ST’s, a 2014 and 2016. Both were ST3 trims with the Recaros. The lower trims have that tiny infotainment screen. The previous owner installed an aftermarket radio which included the tiny screen.
I think anyone with the st1 has contemplated an aftermarket radio for ease of use
I compromised more on that grown up package and got me a 07 tsx with the 6 speed. No sports car by any stretch, but a great driving experience with hondas magical gearing.
FA5/FG2 all day. Throw in a k24 block and you have the ideal civic. Add some boost and the possibilities are endless.
The FD2 Civic Type R sedan is still arguably the best Civic Type R ever, and the FA5/FG2 Civic Si is really not *that* far away from it. There's an old Motortrend video where the editor takes the Mugen Civic Si out around Willow Springs and he's loving it! Meanwhile Richard Meadon from Evo magazine called the actual FD2 Civic Type R "like a drug" around Silverstone. 🙂 No turbo? Slower than an Lancer Evo, WRX STi, Megane RS, and indeed Focus ST and other such turbocharged vehicles? It really doesn't matter, arguably, it's all about smiles per mile.
The 8th generation civic Si is not only a cheap car that doesn't cost a lot but it's also a fun car to have and to begin with I've bought my first 2009 civic Si coupe last year and didn't regret buying it i can't stop enjoying the high revving k20z3 and plus all the parts you can put in for more power is awesome
Cant go wrong with that SI, best version ever. I don't care about the more torque from the next gen K24, not even mention the 1.5T. K20 on this gen has the sweetest character, sound and top end. You can actually use it and enjoy it, get the full range of rpm without going to jail lol
Nothing like singing over 8k
Yeah if you pay 800$ for hondata you get huge increase in the mid range low end and can rev to 8600 rpm it's nuts and the throttle response is unlike any car
This dude never even reved the si out. Those granny shifts destroy all the momentum of the low torque on the si
Well for me it's the SI but I'm a 10 year owner and it's given me 0 issues and it's great to drive. High RPM NA is just my jam.
I still regret selling my Fuji blue FA5 civic si. Best fun daily driver I can imagine.
I have no clue how I noticed this, but you passed a white focus RS while driving the SI😂
Great video! These cars are the future classics for my generation
I bought a 2007 Si as my first car and had it until 191k miles
Traded my ST in for a Bronco Sport. I didn't really speed race it but have to say the Bronco with the same 2.0 feels just as fast.
And costs 4x+ more lol
Tough choice!! Going ST!! Love the channel!!
Kinda sad that 8, 9, and 10g Sis are expensive! Can’t find any for a reasonable price nowadays, and the same goes for Accord 2.0Ts/V6s. Actually, this seems to be true for all Hondas.
Got my 8th gen Si for 6800$ with 117k miles bone stock
@@TheRyansLion If you got it during the pandemic, you’re one lucky guy haha
For real, they're all about twice the price they should be
@@ramgtjax I got it summer 2020, right before prices started going crazy
Having driven both, I'd have a hard time picking. You are correct that the ST is just a more grown up Si.
The Si, even though it's not as powerful as the ST, just feels lively and raucous. It's one of those cars where you can use all of it even on your daily commute.
The ST, on the other hand, feels smoother, more planted, quieter and is faster. Add to that the fact that it's a hatch with decent room for the family and it's quite practical. It just doesn't feel as exciting.
Definitely exciting
i currently have an ep3 si, and after driving my friend’s fbo tuned 8th gen, i loved it. the sound, the lsd, and the experience was awesome. makes me wish we got the ep3 type r in the states even more.
A used Civic Si is so hard to find in good condition with low miles.
Most have been dogged out and abused and heavily modded up.
A Focus is much easier to find and offers better performance.
Unbelievable timing. I just bought a 2007 Civic SI for a daily like a week ago.
I got a 13’ SI and it’s definitely one of my favorite cars I’ve ever driven. It’s not super fast but it’s super fun and practical, good space for stuff and 4 doors to carry friends around as well as that little spice when you need it. They’re kinda like a chihuahua where they got all the bark and aggression but not too much power to back it up.
I second this. I bought my 2013 FB6 about 7 months ago. It’s decent power for the roads and traffic here in Toronto, Canada.
I resonate with this comparison. I’ve had cars like a 2013 500 Abarth and a 2014 Focus ST. Fun cars and miss them. But picked up a 2007 FG2 Civ Si for a track/daily fun car for $5000 and love it even more, I’ve always loved reliable high revving NA Honda, not small turbos falling on their faces at higher rpm. It needs suspension and small tweaks for track duty, but as it is it stands makes 220whp NA with just I/E/H and flashpro tune, so maybe 250hp at the engine. 2750lb curb weight compared to my Focus ST3 that came in at 3250lb.
Actually started in 06 for the 8th gen si. Sedan came 07
Had my 07 Si since 2010. Test drove a new Foci ST in 13. I thought it was pretty good, torque for days but a let down towards redline. the seat was weird to me and the throttle seemed vague. I thought the car was good but fell well short of the Si's military grade tactile character. Got back in my Si, ripped the TEC, and grinned ear at just how much more fun the Si is to drive. I still own it because It just feels so special, It's like driving a homoligated rally car from the 80's. The damn 8th gen is a driving masterpiece! Was still a fan of the ST, and prior to the Si I had a gen 1 Focus I loved dearly.
Still the owner of a 2007 Si sedan since 2010. Bought it in locate dealership showroom with 35,999 miles. At time of this comment, she has 74997 miles. Was a semi daily up until 2013. Then ONLY used for AutoX, Drag, and Track.
I scored a clean title 13 Focus ST2 with 153k for 6 grand in 2020 now its 199k miles and its been a blast, Idk if im ever gonna get rid of it.
Had a civic like that one😭 I miss it.
I have a second gen '18 ST. That power is nice when you want to pass in a hurry. Passing zones here can be kinda short. That being said there are a lot of things I would like to change. If only I could have the Interior of my "old" 2011 Mazda 3 in it, liked it MUCH better
Well when you have a 280 - 290 lb driver (correct me if this figure is way off) plus the camera man (180 - 190 lbs) then for sure it will dull the naturally aspirated Honda's performance. Guarantee. While the turbocharged Focus, having much more torque, will be affected less by such weight of driver and occupant.
Civic Si hands down - had my Type R for 14 years and all it needed, gas oil changes and tires.
Always go for the FA5 or FD2R versions though!
Yup those where true civics .
A bandana tied around the shift knob does wonders for it not being too hot or too cold in the SI
I would pick the Ford if it was as reliable and handled as well as the Honda but thats just not the case unfortunately. Ive driven both and owned several Hondas so im probably biased but that's just my opinion on the two.
I'd go with the Focus for sure. I've wanted one for quite some time now...
Not quite the same, but I hopped out of my 2016 Fiesta ST and into a 2019 two-door Civic SI.
I worked at honda, and I really thought I'd like it better.
It was like leaving the bedside of a loyal but kinky 7, and going to bed with a 9 who wants to take care of you, but didn't tell you she only likes women.
I love my 06 fg2, amazing car
I love my ST bought a 2017 with 19k miles fully stock last September
I really miss my '13 ST2. Bought it new and sold it with almost 100k miles. Super fun and never had a single issue with it.
I love my 8th gen
It's not that fast but it's fun, reliable and good on gas. Has basic mods and suspension, about 200whp. Probably about as quick as a stock ST but an st with a tune will beat me easy
I'm really glad when i got my ST it had a Ford Racing Exhaust on it cause dang when they're stock they're so quiet
Love my 8th gen. Had a few of them
There is nothing like the responsiveness and sound of a high reving naturaly aspirated engine
Define high revving? 6800 high enough?
@@S8ER 6800 isnt very high imo, more average. 7500 and above is where things start to get fun
The SVT Focus would be cool to see.
Absolutely!
I ❤ the Fiesta STs, personally cooler looking car. More reminiscent of small sporty euro-& jdm cars of the past. That made their respective brands So cool to begin with.
@@ElliottTAlphaG700I had two of them and they're an absolute blast and highly recommended! Having said that oddly enough I also had 2 SVT Focus. The handling on those is exemplary especially in their day but if you can afford the Fiesta ST, I would go with that. That little turbocharged motor makes it a microbeast
@Lance Mannion I can afford a lot 🤣. I was just saying of the 2, I like it's styling more. Last car I bought, was a nearly pristine 1987 Daimler Sovereign(Looks like a Jaguar Vanden Plas - Just better 🤣)Double Six(V12) RHD. While I was in London. I might**keep the engine. But probably end up engine swapping w/an LS7 or LT4. Sleeper car though.
For me, I prefer the driving experience of the Si. I even prefer the experience of an SVT Focus of the ST. Something about a high revving engine. I just can’t enjoy 5,500 RPM shift points. Even my EJ205 turns 7k RPM lol. Speed isn’t everything.
Think maybe the Fiesta ST would be a better comparison.
I couldn't stand my Escape anymore so I traded it in on a Focus ST. What a difference on the same chasis! Gets better mileage too. I had a Fiesta ST and it was too small when we had our son, now im done with SUVs
Nice to see another Brendan on TH-cam! sweet vid man.
Yeah, the Civic competes more with the Fiesta performance wise. Both Ford's are more fun imo
Si all day, uncivilized is what I prefer thank you very much 😂
Ford not making the Focus anymore is an absolute crime!
Yea. I’m upset. They should make for everyday American. Not just worry about mustang
@@djdevontay These car companies are following directive. Clearly they’re being forced out of selling small cars. They need to keep us all poor for inflation
Rather the sedan si myself
Huh, the 08 si does the same 0-60 as my 08 v6 mustang. It probably feels faster though.
I have the 07 blue SI sedan 180k it had the infamous clearcoat issues when i bought it. gotta fresh paint and coat job a few years ago still looks and drives great best car I've ever owned
I had a 16 ST2 before I moved up to my gt350. It was one of the most fun cars I've driven.
ST hands down
If you want something a bit rough around the edges try out a Fiesta ST. Mine has a Cobb exhaust, Montune Intercooler, ST200 intake kit, Mountune radiator with the OEM factory tune. With the traction control off it's traction limited in 2nd gear. One big plus is the handling, it's 500 lbs lighter than the Focus ST and extremely responsive. Yeah, 0-60 is only 6.5 seconds but it's enough to put a smile on my face and it will get 40 mpg on the highway if I actually get premium fuel at the premium pump. Note, Octane cheating is widespread and I suspect that it's the distributors doing the Fraud. My car like many other turbocharged engines is Octane sensitive and as the engine pulls timing whenever any of the 4 knock sensors detect detonation the immediate response is about a 4 mpg drop in fuel economy. Go on a long trip, stop to fill up, and the fuel minder will tell me I've been robbed as soon as the new fuel makes it to the injectors. Hopefully the Direct Injection Water/Methanol will provide me a workaround for Octane Cheaters.
Really miss my 2013 ST but unfortunately they are currently hard to find in my area. They either have way too many miles and over modified, or they are asking a fortune for them. Looking forward to the day used cars come back to earth.
Focus and fiesta st’s are never going back. Like evo’s there’s no more coming. So I think they’ll stay the prices they are forever really.
keeping mine until it dies, we've got owners on the forums hitting 400k now
@@julianc.6589 Smart man!
I don't think this is even close, ST is the far better buy
The stock intake sits right where this aftermarket one sits. The one I have has a block off from the rest of the engine bay. Between that and my intercooler, my charge air temps are about 10-15 degrees warmer than ambient, when before those two changes it would be 100+ degrees over ambient fyi. Also, that ST for sure does not have a bov. I have my bov as quiet as can be and i can hear it inside the car with the windows up all day. The only complaint I have with the ST is no lsd... When I got my ST, I had the option to get a 2015 Civic Si. The Si just didnt cut it for me...
As someone who still owns my 8th gen, When I test drove a new 14 Si, I was horrified at how numb everything was. It drove like 2015 Sentra IMO. Really made me feel bad for the Si brand. ST easy win over 9th gen for me too, though I've only just driven one, of course I think the ST was marginally more money new, but leagues better in just feel alone. I did choose my 8th gen over an ST though. As a Focus fan, I wouldnt mind both, but I also want too many cars at once!
Those si’s are not quick at all. For reliability civic all day but the focus way faster
you shouldve compared the handling as well. the SI is so much lighter and more nimble than the focus
You should drive a focus st bro It handle like a champion on curves
I would take the Civic. Have been a Honda fan for years. I regret selling my 91 civic crx si long time ago. But fortunately in 2019, i found an 09 Si sedan stock with 49k miles for 10k. Going to keep it stock and never going to get rid of it. Love driving it and Vtec just kicked in. 😂
k series are the best 4-cylinder engines ever made. literally the new LS swap.
I've bene looking at Si from this era and they are difficult to find in clean condition. Most are now clapped out or need new engines / clutches and their bodies are trashed. Hard to find a clean one that is well taken care of.
That's the problem with civics, the owners.
Yeah, these cars got used and abused. That is a nice clean one.
I have an 09 that I've had since 11 and the interior is as clean as that one, I have taken great care of it.... But the paint is faded, pretty much all of the clear coat has peeled off on the roof, hood, and top of the doors and fenders years ago.
They got used and abused because they are/were affordable reliable fun cars for people that needed all three in one package. They weren’t garage queens. They don’t make cars like this anymore..
@@noneyabizz8337 So just find a nice one. It's not like the older Focus ST Mk2 / XR5 with the five-cylinder Volvo engine has a reputation for being tastefully modified either! It's almost a miracle to see one of those without a tacky pop-bang ECU map on it...
@@TassieLorenzo oh, I see. You're not American.
To be honest, I'd take the Focus.. That extra power would be Sith-like when compared to the Civic's.