http://fordecoboostchallengedrive.com/Map.aspx
Anyone go to one of these?
My friend and I went to the one in Chicago earlier this month. It's basically a very simple autocross event. They give you the reigns to both the Focus ST and Fiesta ST, and 4 laps. You can do 2 in one and 2 in the other, or do them all in one car. I've never done an autocross event before, nor have I ever driven a FWD car spiritedly, so it was a bit of a new experience for me. I managed to get a 29.6xx in the Fiesta, and I think a 29.8xx in the Focus. The fastest lap I saw was a 28.6, not sure which car.
Both cars are fantastically fun to drive in that environment. The Focus definitely has some grunt, and likes to get tailhappy when you lift off, I was having a blast driving the Focus. The fiesta really didn't feel that much slower to me (and obviously it wasn't), and it definitely made more turbo noise. It wasn't as easy to get sliding, or at least I didn't get it to in my short time. It was very point-able though, just a little lift, point in, and power out. Nothing crazy or surprising, it just went. I was very happy with how manageable torque steer was in both cars. It never felt like a hinderance that they were FWD.
Overall, they are both GREAT cars, and I don't think you could go wrong with either. I would have to drive its competitors (Mainly the GTI) to make a decision for myself, however the Focus ST is a very cool car.
If one of these events is in your area, I encourage you to go check it out. Its a fun way to kill an afternoon, and sample some of Fords offerings. They give you the car with no-one in the passenger seat, and let you go at it. And the best part was, its FREE!
Anyone go to one of these?
My friend and I went to the one in Chicago earlier this month. It's basically a very simple autocross event. They give you the reigns to both the Focus ST and Fiesta ST, and 4 laps. You can do 2 in one and 2 in the other, or do them all in one car. I've never done an autocross event before, nor have I ever driven a FWD car spiritedly, so it was a bit of a new experience for me. I managed to get a 29.6xx in the Fiesta, and I think a 29.8xx in the Focus. The fastest lap I saw was a 28.6, not sure which car.
Both cars are fantastically fun to drive in that environment. The Focus definitely has some grunt, and likes to get tailhappy when you lift off, I was having a blast driving the Focus. The fiesta really didn't feel that much slower to me (and obviously it wasn't), and it definitely made more turbo noise. It wasn't as easy to get sliding, or at least I didn't get it to in my short time. It was very point-able though, just a little lift, point in, and power out. Nothing crazy or surprising, it just went. I was very happy with how manageable torque steer was in both cars. It never felt like a hinderance that they were FWD.
Overall, they are both GREAT cars, and I don't think you could go wrong with either. I would have to drive its competitors (Mainly the GTI) to make a decision for myself, however the Focus ST is a very cool car.
If one of these events is in your area, I encourage you to go check it out. Its a fun way to kill an afternoon, and sample some of Fords offerings. They give you the car with no-one in the passenger seat, and let you go at it. And the best part was, its FREE!
