Volkswagen Golf R vs Ford Focus RS
Overview | |
MSRP$35,655 | MSRP$36,120 |
Listings745 | Listings90 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Reviews SummaryEarlier this year, you could get a “base” Golf R that came without the safety systems, navigation, or Dynamic Chassis Control for $37,575, but that was a very limited-release trim that’s been pushed aside for the most part. Now you have to accept all those features if you want a Golf R, and that means you’ll have to accept an elevated price as well: $41,295. The Golf has always been a do-nearly-anything entrant, and the Golf R only reinforces that image with all-wheel drive and a lot of extra power. Now with the added safety systems, navigation, and the dynamic suspension dampers, it truly offers the manic attitude of a canyon carver and the smooth power of a freeway cruiser all in one package. | |
Reviews SummaryEuropeans did this to us. They made us crave the Ford Focus RS, a street-legal rally car with way too much turbocharged power driving the front wheels. That was in 2009, and only in 2016 has Ford’s European division brought its most feral Focus RS yet—with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. How wild is this winged terror? We tightened our helmet and shut down an entire racetrack to assess its ferocity. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 292 hp I4 | Engine2.3L 350 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower292 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower350 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City23 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway25 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 292 hp I4 | Engine Name2.3L 350 hp I4 |
Torque280 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | Torque350 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm |
Horsepower292 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower350 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City23 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway25 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsStandard | Leather Seats |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space22.8 cu ft | Cargo Space19.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3362 lbs | Curb Weight3460 lbs |
Height56.5 in | Height58.0 in |
Length168.4 in | Length171.7 in |
Width70.8 in | Width80.5 in |
Wheelbase103.5 in | Wheelbase104.3 in |
Maximum Payload996 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $35,655 | $36,120 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | ||
Summary | Earlier this year, you could get a “base” Golf R that came without the safety systems, navigation, or Dynamic Chassis Control for $37,575, but that was a very limited-release trim that’s been pushed aside for the most part. Now you have to accept all those features if you want a Golf R, and that means you’ll have to accept an elevated price as well: $41,295. The Golf has always been a do-nearly-anything entrant, and the Golf R only reinforces that image with all-wheel drive and a lot of extra power. Now with the added safety systems, navigation, and the dynamic suspension dampers, it truly offers the manic attitude of a canyon carver and the smooth power of a freeway cruiser all in one package. | Europeans did this to us. They made us crave the Ford Focus RS, a street-legal rally car with way too much turbocharged power driving the front wheels. That was in 2009, and only in 2016 has Ford’s European division brought its most feral Focus RS yet—with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. How wild is this winged terror? We tightened our helmet and shut down an entire racetrack to assess its ferocity. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 292 hp I4 | 2.3L 350 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 292 hp @ 5500 rpm | 350 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 23 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 25 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 292 hp I4 | 2.3L 350 hp I4 |
Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm |
Horsepower | 292 hp @ 5500 rpm | 350 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 23 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 25 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 22.8 cu ft | 19.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3362 lbs | 3460 lbs |
Height | 56.5 in | 58.0 in |
Length | 168.4 in | 171.7 in |
Width | 70.8 in | 80.5 in |
Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 104.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 996 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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