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Ford focus vs golf r: which compact car wins in performance, value, and style?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Ford Focus ST and the Volkswagen Golf R both come with a generous list of features.
  • However, the Focus ST is still a good-looking car, and it offers a few unique design features that the Golf R doesn’t.
  • The Focus ST is the more affordable option, while the Golf R is the more powerful and feature-rich option.

The Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Golf R are two of the most popular hot hatches on the market. They offer a thrilling driving experience, plenty of features, and a stylish design. But which one is the better choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Ford Focus vs. Golf R in terms of performance, features, design, and price to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

The Ford Focus ST and the Volkswagen Golf R are both powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The Focus ST produces 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, while the Golf R produces 315 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both cars come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but the Focus ST also offers an optional seven-speed automatic transmission. The Golf R, on the other hand, offers an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

In terms of performance, the Golf R has the clear advantage. It’s faster, more powerful, and has a better power-to-weight ratio than the Focus ST. The Golf R can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the Focus ST takes 5.3 seconds. The Golf R also has a higher top speed of 155 mph, compared to the Focus ST’s 144 mph.

Features

The Ford Focus ST and the Volkswagen Golf R both come with a generous list of features. Standard features on the Focus ST include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a sunroof, and a SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. The Golf R adds to this list with features such as a digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, and a Fender premium audio system.

In terms of features, the Golf R has a slight edge over the Focus ST. It offers a few more standard features, and its infotainment system is more user-friendly. However, the Focus ST’s SYNC 3 system is also very good, and it offers a few features that the Golf R’s system doesn‘t, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Design

The Ford Focus ST and the Volkswagen Golf R both have a sporty and aggressive design. The Focus ST features a unique front grille, a rear spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Golf R adds to this with features such as a more aggressive front bumper, a rear diffuser, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of design, the Golf R is the more visually appealing car. It has a more aggressive and sporty look than the Focus ST. However, the Focus ST is still a good-looking car, and it offers a few unique design features that the Golf R doesn’t.

Price

The Ford Focus ST has a starting price of $24,935. The Volkswagen Golf R has a starting price of $44,590. This is a significant price difference, and it’s something to consider when making your decision.

If you’re on a budget, the Focus ST is the better choice. It offers a lot of the same features as the Golf R, but at a much lower price. However, if you’re looking for the best possible hot hatch, the Golf R is worth the extra money.

Which One Is Right for You?

The Ford Focus ST and the Volkswagen Golf R are both excellent hot hatches. They offer a thrilling driving experience, plenty of features, and a stylish design. However, there are some key differences between the two cars. The Golf R is faster, more powerful, and has a more aggressive design. It also comes with a few more standard features. However, the Focus ST is more affordable and offers a few unique design features.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which car is right for you is to test drive them both. This will give you a chance to experience their performance, features, and design firsthand.

The Verdict

The Ford Focus ST and the Volkswagen Golf R are both excellent hot hatches. The Focus ST is the more affordable option, while the Golf R is the more powerful and feature-rich option. Ultimately, the best way to decide which car is right for you is to test drive them both.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Which car has more horsepower?

The Volkswagen Golf R has more horsepower than the Ford Focus ST. The Golf R produces 315 horsepower, while the Focus ST produces 252 horsepower.

Which car has a better 0-60 mph time?

The Volkswagen Golf R has a better 0-60 mph time than the Ford Focus ST. The Golf R can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the Focus ST takes 5.3 seconds.

Which car has a higher top speed?

The Volkswagen Golf R has a higher top speed than the Ford Focus ST. The Golf R has a top speed of 155 mph, while the Focus ST has a top speed of 144 mph.

Which car has more standard features?

The Volkswagen Golf R has more standard features than the Ford Focus ST. Standard features on the Golf R include a digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, and a Fender premium audio system. These features are not available on the Focus ST.

Which car is more affordable?

The Ford Focus ST is more affordable than the Volkswagen Golf R. The Focus ST has a starting price of $24,935, while the Golf R has a starting price of $44,590.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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