Ford Focus RS vs. Focus ST: which is better?
Not sure whether to get the Focus ST or more powerful Focus RS? Read our guide to help you choose
)
Fast Fords have always been exciting, so to have two sporty Focus models on offer at the same time is quite a treat.
The Focus RS and Focus ST are both high-performance hatchbacks, with the former being the faster and more powerful. But the ST would be more than enough for most people – plus you can have it as an estate.
You can find plenty of used Ford models for a great price, for either the RS, ST or other variations.
If you’re unsure which to buy, then our helpful guide will help guide you in the right direction.
Styling
 "Ford Focus RS vs Ford Focus ST")
Since the 1960s, Ford has been building and styling some of the best hot hatches money can buy to follow the trend of lairy rivals from the likes of used Volkswagen and used Honda models.
Therefore, the Focus ST and RS models are designed to appeal to those who like to stand out from the crowd – especially the RS, which has a large rear-mounted spoiler, aggressive front bumper and bright blue brake callipers.
The ST, on the other hand, is best thought of as a calmer and more subtle version of its RS sibling while still offering some great styling cues, such as a large front grille and dual exhausts.
What are they like to drive?
 "Ford Focus RS vs Ford Focus ST")
Getting behind the wheel is when you notice some differences, because the RS is clearly the winner if you’re a driving fanatic.
It’s powered by a larger 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 345hp, whereas the ST can be had with either a petrol or diesel engine, but we’d always recommend the 247hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine if you enjoy driving.
That doesn’t mean the diesel isn’t any good, however, because if you tend to drive longer distances then it’s ideal for you because it’ll return higher fuel efficiency figures of up to 64mpg.
To help put down the power, the RS comes with a four-wheel-drive system that works with the car’s internal systems to offer different driving modes: Normal; Sport; Track; and Drift. Yes, there really is a drift mode in a hatchback!
The ST has a more conventional front-wheel-drive layout, which means it’s lighter and easier to thread down one of the UK’s fun and narrow country roads, so casual drivers will favour this more than the track-ready RS.
Interior and technology
 "Ford Focus RS vs Ford Focus ST interior")
If you’re buying a Ford then the chances are you’re not expecting Rolls-Royce-like quality inside, but you are still getting immense quality and robustness.
Both are very similar to one another and feature sporty red accents throughout, but the RS has sections of blue on the seats and a personalised RS logo that appears on the screen when you turn it on.
One thing they both have over the standard Focus is a set of three dials above the infotainment screen that show oil temperature, oil pressure, and boost psi.
Both cars come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too, which means you don’t need to learn a new infotainment system if you don’t want to – although Ford’s Sync 3 system is simple and intuitive.
Boot space and practicality
 "Ford Focus RS vs Ford Focus ST boot space and practicality")
If you’re in the market for a hot hatch then chances are you’re not all that concerned about lots of boot space, but you might be surprised by how much you actually get.
The ST gets the same boot as the standard Focus model at 375 litres, but the sportier RS has a smaller 260-litre one because of the AWD system that takes up more space at the rear.
If you need even more space then the ST is available as an estate car, which offers up to 575 litres of boot space – about the same as the SEAT Leon Cupra ST.
Safety and reliability
Being modern cars built by one of the largest car brands in the world, there’s little you need to worry about when it comes to reliability.
They come with solid warranties from the factory and parts are readily available, so you’ll never be stuck being unable to drive the car for long if something were to go wrong.
The Ford Focus in all model variants is an incredibly safe car that scored a full five stars following its most recent Euro NCAP crash-testing.
This is thanks to some great safety features including airbags, a seatbelt reminder and automatic emergency braking for pedestrians and cyclists.
Size and dimensions
Ford Focus ST and RS
Length: 4,382mm
Width: 1,825mm
Height: 1,471mm
Boot space: 260-375 litres
Ford Focus ST Estate
Length: 4,672mm
Width: 1,825mm
Height:1,497mm
Boot space: 575 litres
 "Ford Focus RS vs Ford Focus ST: how fast?")
What is faster, the Ford Focus RS or ST?
Driving fast should always be kept to a private road or track, but should you wish to explore the limits of either car, here are the stats:
Ford Focus RS
0-62mph: 4.7 seconds
Power: 345hp
Top speed: 165mph
Ford Focus ST
0-62mph: 6.5 seconds
Power: 247hp
Top speed: 155mph
If you want a hot hatch to track, then the Focus RS is the clear winner here as it’s got quicker acceleration and its AWD system is ideal for getting up to speed and cornering.
However, if you want more of a fun hatchback to take out for a quick blast at the weekends, the ST is the one for you.
Verdict: Focus RS vs. Focus ST: which should you buy?
If you’ve read our full comparison and still can’t quite decide which car is for you, then perhaps this quick verdict will help.
We’d recommend buying the Focus RS if you’re a petrolhead who wants a fun hatchback with a manual gearbox to take on long road trips or to the track.
It’s got everything you could ever need and has a bulletproof engine.
The ST is better suited to those who need an everyday driver that can be fun on the way home or at weekends.
It’s got a larger boot too (especially as an estate), so if you have a family this is the one to consider.
But no matter which you opt for, you’re getting a solid hatchback that’s been built by one of the greatest carmakers ever.
We can guarantee you’ll have a fab time behind the wheel nipping around the UK’s best driving roads.