Face Off: Subaru WRX STi vs Ford Focus RS

We take our test drives of the Subaru WRX STi and new challenger Ford Focus RS and put the face to face to see how they stack up in performance, handling and overall enjoyment.

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[Kojima]

Bought an RS and was in love, my buddy let me drive his STI. I regretted buying the RS. It's a great car but I had to sell it and buy the STI. No Regrets. Both are great, it's all up what you like.

[malachiashley]

I got a Subaru because I wanted the hydraulic steering.

[mountainhobo]

In addition to everything Sam said, STi with that spoiler has a serious image problem, at least in my area (Central California). Droopy, shiny gym pants down below butt, white t-shirt, and a baseball cap backward just barely begin to describe it.

[davidmorris]

Never had torque steer in my STI or the WRX we used to

[bradygirvan]

My dad is trying to decide which one to get. I vote for the Focus!

[fragu]

Another brilliant review from you. Great👏👏👏

[Jimmy-plkv]

I tested the golf R. It was very nice but boring, no sunroof. The subaru wanted a down payment for a test drive. The evolution was fast but plain inside. The RS gave me the more smiles per gallon. I bought the RS so far so good, almost 500 miles on it. I love the car.

[NeilanPhotoGraphics]

when they first came out 10 years later um the 20 year anniversary of the wrx was in 2015

[Nards_]

subaru is just waaay more reliable lol

[MistrMcGill]

I definitely see the difference in refinement, very good review and very honest. I'm not telling you the winner so watch...

[hewlettpackard]

I am a Subaru fan but STI needed an upgrades to compete.. It is getting heavier but horse power and torque hasn't change much for a long time. As of now, It needed the 350 HP like the RS power and flat curve torque, increase fender width to accommodate wider tire by 1 to 2 inches and better tall gearing so shift isn't as frequent. Change hood scoop to gills and rear spoiler to look like the SVX but functional.

[djwarren]

Just traded in my Mustang GT for an RS. I love it.

[adidutta]

Great review. But I though John Petrucci was full time with Dream Theater.

[carstuff]

The RS drive train isnt bulletproof though. The STI's tranmission and diff's can take the abuse. The RS is already having engine and rear diff issues. How many launches do you think you can get out of that RS until something breaks? I like the looks of the RS more but they really need to beef up the drive train.

[randolphpaul]

Wow this is a first to hear Sam give kudos to a Ford. Is he feel okay, no high fever.

[ZanderProductions]

I had a 17 STI and traded for my RS. I love my RS

[elliottmanning]

Not only are the cars almost the same color, he's wearing the exact same outfit in both reviews. 😂😂

[viking]

I'm American and totally support American industry. I talked like this when I worked at Chrysler engineering when it was American. Let that soak in.

[DustinB]

Rs might be better but everyone still buys the sti because you can get one for 35k vs the rs good luck finding one under 45k

[kurmazz]

I have the 17 sti. When the rs came out all the dealers were selling them way over msrp. Sure it’s a better car but at the time I got the sti for less. Subaru needs to step it up tho.