10 Cars the Ford Focus RS Has More Power Than
Ford means business with its new Focus RS hot hatch.
With the company confirming that the Ford Focus RS will pack 345 hp from its 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, AutoGuide.com has decided to look up some cars that you might be surprised to learn has less power than the Focus RS.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Ford Focus RS Makes 345 HP
2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution – 291 hp
For decades, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has been a model synonymous with performance, sporting a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that tuners have taken to unimaginable figures. But straight from the factory, the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution packs 291 hp, a big difference compared to the Focus RS. In a way, it appears the Japanese automaker has given the Evolution the axe because it just can’t keep up with the competition.
2016 Subaru WRX STI – 305 hp
The 2016 Subaru WRX STi is cut from a similar mold as the Mitsubishi Evolution X: It provides turbocharged fun in an all-wheel-drive package. But even Subaru’s latest WRX STi model won’t be able to keep up with the Ford Focus RS, churning 305 hp from its 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder engine.
2010 Ford Mustang GT – 315 hp
Sure, it was nearly five years ago, but the 2010 Ford Mustang GT packing a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine made 30 less horsepower than what the Ford Focus RS makes. Of course, the 2015 Ford Mustang GT has been drastically improved, now equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 with 435 hp. But let’s face it, who would have ever thought that a Focus would make more power than any Ford Mustang, especially with half the displacement?
1998 Toyota Supra Turbo – 320 hp
Many claim the Toyota Supra Turbo is the king of affordable Japanese sports cars, but the Ford Focus RS actually trumps the JDM darling when it comes to horsepower. Perhaps it’s a testament to how great the Toyota Supra MKIV really is, providing 320 hp more than 18 years ago. But still, a Focus makes more power than a Supra from the factory? How times have changed.
1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – 320 hp
Here is even more American muscle that the new Focus RS hot hatch trumps: the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 with 320 hp. We’re talking about a 5.7-liter V8 engine that makes less power than a turbocharged four-banger, so it’s becoming more evident that there is a replacement for displacement.
2015 Nissan 370Z – 332 hp
The Z nameplate has long represented Nissan’s sports car models, but sadly, even the 370Z can’t outperform the Focus RS when it comes to raw numbers. It puts up a good fight though, being only 13 hp shy of the Ford. It will be interesting to see how the two match up to one another when it comes to hitting the track.
2015 Audi S5 – 333 hp
Not even German engineering is immune to the Ford Focus RS with the Audi S5’s 3.0-liter TFSI engine getting trumped by the small 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from Ford. And the S5 isn’t considered a slouch either, competing against the BMW 435i that has 300 hp.
2001 BMW M3 – 333 hp
Yeah, it’s a couple of generations old, but the BMW E46 M3 is a fan favorite. Believe it or not, its 333 hp doesn’t outnumber the Ford Focus RS despite the M3 being equipped with a 3.2-liter six-cylinder powerplant. Now, if the 2015 BMW M3 pulls up to the Ford Focus RS, that’s an entirely different story with the current M3 bringing 425 hp to the table.
2015 Porsche Cayman GTS – 340 hp
Seeing a Porsche model on the list isn’t a surprise, but the Cayman GTS? Really? Ford has even one-upped the German automaker’s “purist” sports car, which has 340 hp from its 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine.
1997 Chevrolet Corvette – 345 hp
OK, so maybe the Ford Focus RS isn’t more powerful than the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette, but you have to be surprised to hear that it has the same power as one of America’s most iconic sports cars. The C5 Vette initially hit the market with an LS1 engine in the form of a 5.7-liter V8. Now, it’s an entirely different story with the Corvette Stingray coming with 455 hp standard.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Apples and Oranges with these comparisons! However there is no doubt that this new Ford Focus RS will be one of, if not the best performance cars for the money in Automobile history! Come to think of it, this offers performance that parallels the Porsche 911 turbo from several decades ago! Even then, that Porsche far exceeded the cost of the current RS! From what I understand from people who actually drove the new RS, it is absolutely shocking how good of a car it is and exceeded their expectations! Also noted that the RS is a True Enthusiasts car. It was noted recently that the RS can be tracked to the maximum for 30 minutes without loosing performance. ( Think non heat soak and brake fade), at least for 30 minutes at absolute redline. This however is with the optional Michellin Sport Cup tires, also noted was an improvement in launches and 0-60 times. Which is somewhat irrelevant for a car that will be valued much more for its track handling skills then straight line speed. Much better then the EVO and Subie by a good margin, from what I understood. Which probably shouldn't be surprising since Ford Motor Company was very smart, bringing in Ken Block to help with design. Do you think Ken is going to allow a disappointment of performance and tarnishing his world famous reputation. He certainly did this more from a point of passion then profit, although he did get paid. I really wish I could get this car. It is the car for me and my Dream Car. Unfortunately not affordable right now or near future. Ford Motor Company designed this car because of the requests of customers and enthusiasts and offered it to the U.S. thank goodness. They designed this as well as imaginable and assembled it alongside the ST which is a World Car and very smart financial decision on their part.
The 98-02 Z28, SS, Firebird Formula, Trans AM, and Corvette all made the same amount of power which was 345-350 horsepower at the motor, or in the ballpark of 300 horsepower at the wheels when measured on a chassis dyno. The factory horsepower ratings were just marketing. The lowly Z28 couldnt be advertised to have the same power as the all mighty Vette. Are their any Focus RSs left on the road?