What are the differences between Ford ST and RS?
3 Answers
The differences between Ford ST and RS are as follows: 1. Price: The Ford Focus RS Sport is more expensive than the Ford Focus ST. 2. Power: The new Ford Focus RS is equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged direct injection engine, which has been specifically tuned by Ford's performance team for the Focus RS model, delivering a maximum power of 257 kW and a peak torque of 440 Nm. In contrast, the Ford Focus ST is equipped with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder gasoline engine, with a maximum power of 184 kW and a peak torque of 345 Nm. Numerically, the Ford Focus RS far surpasses the latter in terms of power performance. 3. Driving modes: The Ford Focus RS offers a richer variety of driving modes compared to the Ford Focus ST. Tailored for daily and track driving characteristics, the Focus RS provides four optional driving modes: Normal, Sport, Track, and Drift. Among these, the 'Drift Mode' is an industry-first, matching the vehicle's advanced all-wheel-drive system. Through intelligent distribution of torque to all four wheels, it allows drivers to easily achieve controllable oversteer drifts during track driving.
When I bought a car last time, I specifically test drove the Ford Focus ST and RS, and found them quite different. The ST series, like the Focus ST, is powerful but more geared towards daily use, with front-wheel drive that's easy to handle and relatively fuel-efficient, averaging around 11 liters. It drives smoothly and comfortably, making it suitable for commuting and weekend trips. In contrast, the RS version is more aggressive, with all-wheel drive and higher engine output that makes it excel on the track, but it requires more skill to drive, feels noticeably bumpier, and is noisier. In terms of price, the RS is usually tens of thousands more expensive, with higher insurance and maintenance costs. Personally, I think the ST is sufficient if you occasionally seek some excitement, while hardcore enthusiasts will find the RS more fun. Now that Ford has discontinued production, the RS is rarer in the used car market, which is worth considering.
As a car enthusiast, I've driven my friend's Focus ST and RS, with the main differences lying in performance levels. The ST delivers around 250 horsepower with a front-wheel-drive setup that balances practicality and handling, featuring softer suspension suited for urban conditions. In contrast, the RS upgrades to over 350 horsepower, with an AWD system and sport-tuned setup offering exceptional grip, though it may feel overly stiff for daily driving, especially in bad weather or traffic due to its aggressive steering feedback. Fuel consumption is significantly higher in the RS, resulting in shorter range per tank. In terms of modification potential, the ST is more beginner-friendly with an active community where many enthusiasts add aftermarket parts, while the RS leans toward factory-tuned extremes and requires more complex maintenance. Overall, the ST serves as an entry-level high-performance model, whereas the RS is the track-focused ultimate variant.
