MarkCup70 Good vid by the way- you reached pretty much the same conclusions that me and my Golf R 7.5 owning mate reached when we did something similar. Both cars even in a straight line, the grip and cornering ability of his AWD is immense, the Golf is much quicker on a winding road but the BMW is more- as you say- visceral and dramatic and arguably the more "fun" if only because the Golf is so competent and easy to drive fast. Of course you get more of that tail out excitement/fear in the RS than the Golf delivers.
I had the mk2 RS Focus for a little over 3 years. I used to love taking it up some of the hills where I live on quiet Sunday mornings. The sound of the 5 cylinder Volvo engine was music to my ears. It was fantastic at climbing some of the gradients ( some are nearly 25%). Man I miss that car.
I finally got behind the wheel of a mk2 RS today, a mint standard example. I now appreciate what everyone says about them. Video will be up in a week or two.
Oliver BMs way to common, ugly as sin, shit off the line, cheap as chips to buy now as well cheap like the quality, basically the poor mans M4 or for people that can’t use a clutch pedal (yes they did them manual but most are slushbox)... I owned a M140i back in what 2016? 17, glad to get rid of the thing nothing but a slow dreary car
I love fords and the eco boost is very impressive but I’d take that BMW all day long without question just purely down to the engine. I mean what is wrong with people that they would even tire of the way that engine sounds and the pull.
I know, I know...but I've never done it before and it just feels, well, wrong, to not lift the throttle! I will explore in future using some datalogging to find out if a launch with/without flat-shifting a) is quicker and b) gives you higher torque/boost/power from the launch control if you flat shift from first to second.
I've done this, once, on the part 2 440 vs RS video. It felt surprisingly, err, normal. I intend to do it again with this one once it's fully run it...only want to datalog what the engine's doing next time around...I think launch control might be lifting the torque limits in 1st and 2nd gear...which cancel as soon as you lift your foot off the throttle. I hope to find out for sure.
MarkCup70 I can honestly say (for me) I’ve found it makes a huge difference to pick up in the second gear and follows through to third. It’s simply keeping boost at 100%. I’d also recommend Mountunes exhaust and FPM375, you’ll never look back 👍🏽
Thank you for being honest, l live in the Santa Cruz California.Our mountain roads are very challenging off camber on camber tight. Not, a track,through in through out of turns!!! I Love My RS ‘18
BMW 135i coupe would be a better choice . If I was after a car for pure performance and Qualityyit would have to be the M2 . The RS is awesome car , it will always still be a Ford Focus and doesn't quite have the edge of the BMW M series
Agreed...the M2 was a consideration for me as was the M140i...but as I need the practicality of 5 doors but also want something a bit special the Focus, for me anyway, was the sensible choice.
Any track days booked yet Mark? I bet you're itching to see what it can really do! Any idea what the static noise level is? Would you get in at Thruxton with it's 90db limit?
Oooh, no...this car needs a manual 'box in my opinion. It's not about razor sharp precision and it's certainly not about lap times. It's 100% all about fun and involvement...why else would Ford give it rear driven wheels that turn faster than the front wheels with the sole aim of making the rear end slide?!
I totally see your point too...but I've invested so much of my driving life into working at trying to master the manual 'box (still learning, still have a long way to go, always will!) I'm not about to give up now! For me changing gear is as much a part of the driving experience as turning the steering wheel or pressing the throttle/brake pedal. Without it I think the whole process becomes a little insipid.
I test drove the auto M135i and i think it has severe limitations. I was letting it shift on it's own but i started to constantly fiddle around with the drive modes. Eco is unusable, Comfort and Sport are good. Sport Plus was utterly rubbish because in cities you drive along like a moron. Comfort was hesitating when overtaking and Sport couldn't handle easy coasting and being reasonable. I went to use the paddles which revealed an even bigger issue. Even in Sport Plus when you were about to overtake a lorry, shifting from 6th gear down to three took ages. First gear change was instant, second noticeably slower and the third shift was, well i was already halfway past the lorry when it came. Testing a bit more revealed that you cannot get around this, which took me back to the manual. No stupid computers trying to give you a program. In the end, the manual is also more fun for me. Driving up and down the Transfagaras in Romania this year confirmed my choice.
I have around 750 kms on it so far and hoping to get a video done later today. I have been playing with mounting hardware and have ordered an external mic as the one on the camcorder wasn't getting clear audio while driving. Next week the black wrap goes on the roof to match the wing, otherwise all done for the moment. Am finding the tech a bit overwhelming between the cams, the Sync3 and the new front and rear dash cams. A big ask for a guy my age, I guess!
Thanks for that. You already have been. The issues are mostly technical and will get ironed out in time. I'm hoping to give a personal perspective as those are the posts I have found most interesting and useful myself. Stay tuned..
2.3 ecco or 3ltre straight 6 i know witch i would have straight 6 all day the rs interior is absolute awful for the prise ford are asking to me ford have rushed the rs out too fast with all the engine problems its having
An unusual question, but how does the steering feel in your RS? I have just purchased one (August 2016 model) and it feels to me that the car is always "Tramlining" when following the contours of the road. Is this is a normal characteristic of the MK3 or does my car require a four-wheel alignment?
I've not noticed anything at all like that Philip. Mine runs straight and true pretty much all the time. I've never had torque steer nor the often talked about veering either. It does sound like yours might benefit from a geo check!
MarkCup70 Yeah it is such a weird sensation that I find difficult to explain? I have contacted five of my local Ford dealerships and none of them can provide an answer. So, I feel an alignment might be required? Many thanks and keep the awesome videos coming :)
Another thought, before you go spending on a geo check, is that it could just be you getting used to the ultra quick steering rack? Two turns lock to lock means even the slightest half millimetere of movement/input leads to an immediate direction change. What car did you come from? Do you know how many turns lock to lock that was? I know a lot of people have commented on how sensitive the RS steering is...and I also think it's the reason behind the veering under acceleration issue so many new owners complain of. The key point here is, from what I've read, that it's mostly new owners that have the issue...and it tends to go away with time as they familiarise themselves with the car/steering.
MarkCup70 My previous car was a Fiesta ST (MK7) and I used to own a MK2 RS previous to that and I can never recall having this issue in any of my other cars. I know the ultra-quick steering takes a little time to get used too, but I feel the issue is not with the speed of the steering, but rather the movement of the wheel while driving down a normal road. Ideally I need to drive another RS to see if it has the same issue?
I came from a mk7 ST myself which also has a very quick rack, 2.4 turns but a much wider/far more lock so it is similarly quick to the RS, hence why I've never had a problem with it. If that's what you came from then, yes, I think a geo check would be my first port of call.
You would fail your driving test. Very poor observation skills. Nice car great performance, but it doesn't look very special looks too much like any other Focus.
I still see the BMW as a normal car with a big engine that at its core isn't really anything special...but it is so much fun to drive...I didn't get that in this video as we didn't switch cars. Having said that I wouldn't be in one now if Ford and the RS hadn't let me down so badly....I'm quite glad that they did. RWD through a limited slip differential is a beautiful thing.
i dont mean to sound rude or anything but kind racing a 18 day old focus rs but then you moan about it breaking on you then trying to blame ford for poor engine build.
MarkCup70 , Sorry to hear that but Fords cut everything to the bone and always have done, just hope it got replaced under warranty for you and thanks for the info Regards David.
MarkCup70 . Glad to hear you didn't have to pay for it, you've done the right getting the BMW because those Fords are nothing but trouble, the only problem with BMs are the cost of spares but it's not often you need them so enjoy.
Rent boy so imaginative, I am no expert and never claimed to be but before I comment on a subject I like to be quoting facts rather than insulting people who you know nothing about. I made my first remark because I have a BMW M140i and did look at getting a RS.
The M140i would certainly be the 'current' comparison but I don't think the 135i is any less 'proper'. A few extra bhp would have made no difference at all to what we were doing which was just enjoying them for what they are...which is fun things to pedal about!
No you are right you can get a good idea of what the M140i is like but you might be surprised at the subtle differences including bhp and torque, liking your video's as i followed you coming from a Fiesta ST and seeing you on the forum's
I'm getting a back to back drive in my Focus RS and a 440i in a few days...I'll find out if this German tech/quality translates into something genuinely exciting to drive.
BMW straight 6 engine is awesome.
The engine noise of the M135i is apparently 90% genuine 10% enhanced! A better ratio than most modern cars I'd say and it sounds fantastic!
Agreed, the six sounds superb. I'm getting some time in a new 440i soon...can't wait!
MarkCup70 Good vid by the way- you reached pretty much the same conclusions that me and my Golf R 7.5 owning mate reached when we did something similar. Both cars even in a straight line, the grip and cornering ability of his AWD is immense, the Golf is much quicker on a winding road but the BMW is more- as you say- visceral and dramatic and arguably the more "fun" if only because the Golf is so competent and easy to drive fast. Of course you get more of that tail out excitement/fear in the RS than the Golf delivers.
Just make sure you buy the MPPSK too! th-cam.com/video/xGdexuTfOKU/w-d-xo.html
I had the mk2 RS Focus for a little over 3 years. I used to love taking it up some of the hills where I live on quiet Sunday mornings. The sound of the 5 cylinder Volvo engine was music to my ears. It was fantastic at climbing some of the gradients ( some are nearly 25%). Man I miss that car.
I finally got behind the wheel of a mk2 RS today, a mint standard example. I now appreciate what everyone says about them. Video will be up in a week or two.
My M135i is walking RS’s all day long...
You wish 🤣
Liam Syder Dewing in what way does the rs win
Oliver BMs way to common, ugly as sin, shit off the line, cheap as chips to buy now as well cheap like the quality, basically the poor mans M4 or for people that can’t use a clutch pedal (yes they did them manual but most are slushbox)... I owned a M140i back in what 2016? 17, glad to get rid of the thing nothing but a slow dreary car
Liam Syder Dewing Owned one in 2016, hates it but still watches videos on it 4 years later?
RJamesMusic91 watched it for the RS
I like to sometimes stick it in there , because I've got it and I can. wife is not happy when I do! 😁
That BMW would smoke the rs
I love fords and the eco boost is very impressive but I’d take that BMW all day long without question just purely down to the engine. I mean what is wrong with people that they would even tire of the way that engine sounds and the pull.
Nice to see someone that owns motors like this getting them sideways. That BMW sounds the business.
they are wankers those are public roads
When you launch the RS, don't lift off the accelerator between 1st and 2nd, keep your foot planted ;)
I know, I know...but I've never done it before and it just feels, well, wrong, to not lift the throttle! I will explore in future using some datalogging to find out if a launch with/without flat-shifting a) is quicker and b) gives you higher torque/boost/power from the launch control if you flat shift from first to second.
The number of innuendos in this video is brilliant
Just a small note. Ford recommends keeping the accelerator flat down between the shift of first and second on Launch Control. Great content as usual 🏎
I've done this, once, on the part 2 440 vs RS video. It felt surprisingly, err, normal. I intend to do it again with this one once it's fully run it...only want to datalog what the engine's doing next time around...I think launch control might be lifting the torque limits in 1st and 2nd gear...which cancel as soon as you lift your foot off the throttle. I hope to find out for sure.
MarkCup70 I can honestly say (for me) I’ve found it makes a huge difference to pick up in the second gear and follows through to third. It’s simply keeping boost at 100%.
I’d also recommend Mountunes exhaust and FPM375, you’ll never look back 👍🏽
Could you sit a bit closer to the wheel? And tip the seat up more
Loving your videos ... nice to get such a good insight into the RS.
Shame there's no side by side roll on comparison but otherwise enjoyed this 👍
Thanks Alan! If we had, he'd have beaten me. The shorter gearing and seamless shifts see to that.
Thank you for being honest, l live in the Santa Cruz California.Our mountain roads are very challenging off camber on camber tight. Not, a track,through in through out of turns!!! I Love My RS ‘18
BMW 135i coupe would be a better choice . If I was after a car for pure performance and Qualityyit would have to be the M2 . The RS is awesome car , it will always still be a Ford Focus and doesn't quite have the edge of the BMW M series
Agreed...the M2 was a consideration for me as was the M140i...but as I need the practicality of 5 doors but also want something a bit special the Focus, for me anyway, was the sensible choice.
MarkCup70 still the RS is a fantastic car and a great choice , lucky you :-)
The m135i looks better and is quicker than the RS I believe
Any track days booked yet Mark? I bet you're itching to see what it can really do! Any idea what the static noise level is? Would you get in at Thruxton with it's 90db limit?
Still nothing yet Philip. Re. the db limit I think 90 may be a bit tight but I should be more than OK with Goodwood's 98.
worthing vibe about this
The beginning of this video was great it gave off the Bullet chase scene vibe to me. I sure like the RS.
Press the ESP off button for 5 sek. to completely switch off the ESP - enjoy. :)
I have the m135 auto, feels quick compared to the manual which feels quite slow.An auto in the RS would be epic.
Oooh, no...this car needs a manual 'box in my opinion. It's not about razor sharp precision and it's certainly not about lap times. It's 100% all about fun and involvement...why else would Ford give it rear driven wheels that turn faster than the front wheels with the sole aim of making the rear end slide?!
I see your point but i seriously enjoy driving my sports auto m153 than than my wifes man 235.
I totally see your point too...but I've invested so much of my driving life into working at trying to master the manual 'box (still learning, still have a long way to go, always will!) I'm not about to give up now! For me changing gear is as much a part of the driving experience as turning the steering wheel or pressing the throttle/brake pedal. Without it I think the whole process becomes a little insipid.
I test drove the auto M135i and i think it has severe limitations. I was letting it shift on it's own but i started to constantly fiddle around with the drive modes. Eco is unusable, Comfort and Sport are good. Sport Plus was utterly rubbish because in cities you drive along like a moron. Comfort was hesitating when overtaking and Sport couldn't handle easy coasting and being reasonable. I went to use the paddles which revealed an even bigger issue. Even in Sport Plus when you were about to overtake a lorry, shifting from 6th gear down to three took ages. First gear change was instant, second noticeably slower and the third shift was, well i was already halfway past the lorry when it came. Testing a bit more revealed that you cannot get around this, which took me back to the manual. No stupid computers trying to give you a program. In the end, the manual is also more fun for me. Driving up and down the Transfagaras in Romania this year confirmed my choice.
Not with FORDS autos, lol. There shite
love your updates
Great fun, thanks for the ride!
It was and is...more and more with each passing mile! Any word on your car yet Doug?
I have around 750 kms on it so far and hoping to get a video done later today. I have been playing with mounting hardware and have ordered an external mic as the one on the camcorder wasn't getting clear audio while driving. Next week the black wrap goes on the roof to match the wing, otherwise all done for the moment. Am finding the tech a bit overwhelming between the cams, the Sync3 and the new front and rear dash cams. A big ask for a guy my age, I guess!
I look forward to seeing what you come up with Doug! If I can be of any help at all just ask.
Thanks for that. You already have been. The issues are mostly technical and will get ironed out in time. I'm hoping to give a personal perspective as those are the posts I have found most interesting and useful myself. Stay tuned..
Nice, will do.
This is Jeremy Clarkson if he never drank, never punched somone and was on Ritalin, still i find it quite relaxing to watch.
M135i ❤🔥❤
Best Car👍
Saw you today at ford Dunton! The car looks awesome! Hope to see you soon when I get a fiesta st👍🏻
Thanks Connor! It was a great day on Saturday, my first time there...video of the day will follow soon. You should have come over and said hello!
2.3 ecco or 3ltre straight 6 i know witch i would have straight 6 all day the rs interior is absolute awful for the prise ford are asking to me ford have rushed the rs out too fast with all the engine problems its having
You two chasing each other? Looks like a whole lotta fucking fun!!!
Both amazing cars.
An unusual question, but how does the steering feel in your RS? I have just purchased one (August 2016 model) and it feels to me that the car is always "Tramlining" when following the contours of the road. Is this is a normal characteristic of the MK3 or does my car require a four-wheel alignment?
I've not noticed anything at all like that Philip. Mine runs straight and true pretty much all the time. I've never had torque steer nor the often talked about veering either. It does sound like yours might benefit from a geo check!
MarkCup70 Yeah it is such a weird sensation that I find difficult to explain? I have contacted five of my local Ford dealerships and none of them can provide an answer. So, I feel an alignment might be required? Many thanks and keep the awesome videos coming :)
Another thought, before you go spending on a geo check, is that it could just be you getting used to the ultra quick steering rack? Two turns lock to lock means even the slightest half millimetere of movement/input leads to an immediate direction change. What car did you come from? Do you know how many turns lock to lock that was? I know a lot of people have commented on how sensitive the RS steering is...and I also think it's the reason behind the veering under acceleration issue so many new owners complain of. The key point here is, from what I've read, that it's mostly new owners that have the issue...and it tends to go away with time as they familiarise themselves with the car/steering.
MarkCup70 My previous car was a Fiesta ST (MK7) and I used to own a MK2 RS previous to that and I can never recall having this issue in any of my other cars. I know the ultra-quick steering takes a little time to get used too, but I feel the issue is not with the speed of the steering, but rather the movement of the wheel while driving down a normal road. Ideally I need to drive another RS to see if it has the same issue?
I came from a mk7 ST myself which also has a very quick rack, 2.4 turns but a much wider/far more lock so it is similarly quick to the RS, hence why I've never had a problem with it. If that's what you came from then, yes, I think a geo check would be my first port of call.
Good choice
You would fail your driving test. Very poor observation skills. Nice car great performance, but it doesn't look very special looks too much like any other Focus.
I like it and bought it because it looks like any other Focus to 99% of the driving public. That's perfect for me.
@3:53 That is all.
Grow up
the thing I like most about the focus RS is there is a great community of genuine car enthusiasts on here all joining in and sharing their experiences
....sharing their experiences with Ford's warranty department 😂
How things have changed :-)
I still see the BMW as a normal car with a big engine that at its core isn't really anything special...but it is so much fun to drive...I didn't get that in this video as we didn't switch cars. Having said that I wouldn't be in one now if Ford and the RS hadn't let me down so badly....I'm quite glad that they did. RWD through a limited slip differential is a beautiful thing.
Great video. I luv both car's. Jon from Ireland Dublin...
Hot hatchs are post to be bumpy.Its all part or the fun in my opinion.My Audi TTs S Tronic mk2 can hit 60mph in 4.9secs 😉
i dont mean to sound rude or anything but kind racing a 18 day old focus rs but then you moan about it breaking on you then trying to blame ford for poor engine build.
If your car doesn’t feel quick to you as the driver....it isn’t quick
The difference between the BMW and the Ford is in 100,000 miles the BMW will still have its original engine,can't say the same for the Ford.
You're a little bit off there David...7,000 miles after filming my RS had a new engine :D
MarkCup70 , Sorry to hear that but Fords cut everything to the bone and always have done, just hope it got replaced under warranty for you and thanks for the info Regards David.
It got a new one under warranty no problem, but then that one started to go as well hence me now instead having a nice manual M140i as a daily 👍
MarkCup70 . Glad to hear you didn't have to pay for it, you've done the right getting the BMW because those Fords are nothing but trouble, the only problem with BMs are the cost of spares but it's not often you need them so enjoy.
Should compare to the BMW M140i which is the proper comparison.
who made you the fucking expert, fuck off if you dont like the video.. rent boy
Rent boy so imaginative, I am no expert and never claimed to be but before I comment on a subject I like to be quoting facts rather than insulting people who you know nothing about.
I made my first remark because I have a BMW M140i and did look at getting a RS.
The M140i would certainly be the 'current' comparison but I don't think the 135i is any less 'proper'. A few extra bhp would have made no difference at all to what we were doing which was just enjoying them for what they are...which is fun things to pedal about!
No you are right you can get a good idea of what the M140i is like but you might be surprised at the subtle differences including bhp and torque, liking your video's as i followed you coming from a Fiesta ST and seeing you on the forum's
Ha funny.
How to make an interesting car incredibly dull? Give it to MarkCup70!
23:22 I hope you're still enjoying the car and will keep it until you're at least 70 :P
Nice gligbayt
Boy's Car vs Man's Car
It’s a focus
Sure it’s the best focus but a focus all the same
BMW
I prefer awd cars now rear wheel drives look like for those with a death wish
Torque depends on the size of the car.My Audi has less engine torque than the RS but it hits 60mph in 4.9 secs.Power to weight ratio it's called 😉
New RS sounds so bad....not like the mark 2....!!
focus win ;)
Bmw better, focus crap
bbbbbbbbbbbb
23:30 & 23:45 lol !
What a difference a year and two engines makes!
I'd take the Focus any day over that German snobbery.
I'm getting a back to back drive in my Focus RS and a 440i in a few days...I'll find out if this German tech/quality translates into something genuinely exciting to drive.
The focus is engineered and built in Germany
Frightened of that RS hmmmm? 👀 Can’t Drive it for shit
Thanks Liam! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣