Ford Focus ST Vs Volvo C30 T5

[bR0Ken_H3arT]

Well the 'new' NA 2009 Focus thread was getting rather too full of people, including me, talking about other cars that aren't the NA 2009 Focus.

So I made this thread, and thought I post a few comments from review about the Euro Focus ST, because there was a debate going on the two cars are indentical?

I've never driven one myself, and could probably only afford the spare tyre, but for those who do this for a living - here's what they think of the two cars that share the same platform, but aren't the same.

If that makes sense?!




Volvo C30 T5 - Review: Autoexpress, 2006.

''With the engineering emphasis on sporty handling, the range-topping model has precise steering and quick responses. Add a slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox to the mix, and the T5 is highly competent. Unfortunately, it lacks the handling ability of its Focus ST sibling. ''



Volvo C30 - Review: Edmunds, 2008.

''The Focus ST uses the same basic ingredients but delivers a more engaging drive without any significant diminution in the ride quality. If Volvo is serious about producing a sport coupe, then it could do worse than to look to its stablemate for inspiration. What price an "R" version?''.



Volvo C30 T5 Review: Top Gear, 2008.

''Given that the C30 is a touch lighter than the Ford, I'm still not quite sure why it's so much quicker. Maybe the longer gearing means you can hit 60mph in second gear? In any case, it's an impressive stat. The strange thing, though, is that the C30 just doesn't feel quick on the road. It's not that it feels slow, exactly. It just doesn't feel, erm, at all''.




Volvo C30 T5 Review: Autocar, 2006.

''If you look for a relationship with the Focus ST in the T5, you won’t find one. The car’s bigger steering wheel, generally lighter control efforts, lower seating position and familiar Volvo surroundings all link to make it a Volvo. The petrol engine feels strong and smooth, but there is a little more wheel fight at full power over bumps that we’ve noticed in the Ford, and the 0-60 mph time of 6.2sec (manual) and 6.6sec (auto) plus a top speed around 145mph, seem adequate rather than amazing for such a powerful package''. The C30 corners neutrally until it begins to understeer when really pressed, but perhaps there isn’t quite the steering communication of the best Ford Focus.





Volvo C30 T5 Review: Fifth Gear, by Mike Duff.

''It's not quite on a par with the dynamic sensation that comes from taking a Focus ST down a "B" road - but considering the C30's vastly superior refinement it gets impressively close''.




Volvo C30 T5 Review: UK MSN, 2007


''This car is not a hot hatch. It may have the same engine as the Ford Focus ST, and be built on the same platform, but it just isn’t sharp enough. This is largely down to the steering, which is less precise and not as quick as the Ford’s, nor is the chassis as sublime, with a firm, unsettled ride on A and B roads. The C30 endured a tough test with us as we hunted out some of our favourite roads in North Wales, the kind that twist and turn around mountains and show up a car’s maladies in an instant''.

[Z63R]

Outstanding, sir.

[bR0Ken_H3arT]

Thank you.

I don't want to create an argument here, but I thought it's only fair if people pay a lot of $$$ in North America and expect Focus ST 'type' handling, then they should know that's not what they'll get for their hard earned - and may want to wait for the NA Focus to become the Euro Focus in 2 years.

The C30 is a lovely car and very stylish and well built, but maybe not selling to the same 'audience' it seems, and not just financially, but dynamically.

I'd love an ST, they're cheaper than the Volvo and can be tuned to 340Bhp & 400Lb/ft torque, although you'd have to hand over - $6400.

Having said that a C30 T5 Lux SE with the same spec as a Focus ST-3 costs $200 more - even after spending $6400 on tuning it to 340 Bhp!


In other words, the C30 with worse handling, same engine, is $6600 more than Focus ST with the same specification.


With that knowledge (and money)..I'd rather have the car below than the 'standard' C30 T5 out the Factory.

[OmniFocus]

I've always wanted a Focus ST over a Volvo C30.

I LIKE the C30, but so many annoying FocalJetters keep trying to shove the C30 on me as an alternative.

No matter what they say: It. Is. Not. The. Same. Car.

I don't want a C30, I want a Focus ST. /whine

[kennan J]

I agree with Omni. While I was in Puerto Vallarta this past New Years I got to touch a ST sexy lil beast!

[panchocito]

I'm quite happy with my ms3... C30 = too expensive

[belacyrf]

Simple for me.
1. Volvo will always be more expensive than a Ford. Though the C30 isn't bad.

2. And I just prefer the look of the euro focus more.






And the reviews you posted that seem to point to some stark handling differences only enforces my feelings on the matter.

[2focusd]

Ah yes, 2008's answer to last year's 2008 Focus thread rampage

-Brian

[bigdaddyzx3]

Originally Posted by 2focusd

Ah yes, 2008's answer to last year's 2008 Focus thread rampage

-Brian

Dude, this guy made a very valid point... you just don't happen to agree... that doesn't make it a 'rampage'.

If you like the C30 and think it's a good replacement for the FocusST, then that's GREAT! However... very few people agree with you.

[bbychvz]

Originally Posted by panchocito

I'm quite happy with my ms3... C30 = too expensive

nice pix bro I wish I could keep my ride as clean

Bobby

[CaysE]

Whoa hold on... this wasn't supposed to be a C30 vs. EDM Focus ST comparison... the C30 is comparable to the NON-ST EDM Focuses. If you want to compare the ST to a Volvo, we'd have to wait for the rumored C30R.

[2focusd]

Originally Posted by bigdaddyzx3

Dude, this guy made a very valid point... you just don't happen to agree... that doesn't make it a 'rampage'.

If you like the C30 and think it's a good replacement for the FocusST, then that's GREAT! However... very few people agree with you.

Hale, I actually was meaning that in the past week or so I've seen numerous posts about this topic, and it reminded me of the nightmare that went on last fall with basically every Focus-related thread in Pit Stop turning into a "let's bash the '08!" thread. I'm not saying anymore on this thread, I'll just end it by saying that many people on here would still find something to bitch about if the EU Focus ST was brought here. The C30 thread is epic and has slowly fizzled once pricing was finalized because many of the enthusiasts on here just aren't willing to pony up the big bucks for an econo-based-box. I'm in no way bashing anyone so I'm really hoping people don't try to drag my name through the mud for saying this, I'm just stating my opinion based on what I've seen over the past year or two on this wonderful forum.

-Brian

[bluebyutoo]

Originally Posted by OmniFocus

I've always wanted a Focus ST over a Volvo C30.

I LIKE the C30, but so many annoying FocalJetters keep trying to shove the C30 on me as an alternative.

No matter what they say: It. Is. Not. The. Same. Car.

I don't want a C30, I want a Focus ST. /whine

Who me....

[bluebyutoo]

Just for the record...

The C30 is a different beast depending on how its set up. That's why you read a variety of reviews in regard to handling and performance.

It's been, almost without exception, praised and applauded by the automotive press. "That's a Volvo?" is the phrase most often uttered by the press and those that encounter one in person.

Depending on the wheel size and suspension option, (from the factory) the C30 can be a soft, or a very firm ride. Some have described it as harsh. Owners who have owned other makes and modified them are pleased with the factory ride and handeling.

Add a set of coilovers or adjustable shocks and lowering springs (something many of us here would do anyway) and it's on par with the ST.

Add a chip, and you're up to 260 bhp.

I read a review recently (I read them all) that noted that the 0-60 time of the C30 was actually quicker than the Ford Focus ST (I think it was Top Gear).



It's a luxury hatch. Not for everyone. With the price of gas rising I'd think that cars like the C30 are going to do very well. Luxury, style, performance, handling and decent mileage.

I'll be ordering mine in May for a July OSD delivery.

[CaysE]

Originally Posted by 2focusd

Hale, I actually was meaning that in the past week or so I've seen numerous posts about this topic, and it reminded me of the nightmare that went on last fall with basically every Focus-related thread in Pit Stop turning into a "let's bash the '08!" thread. I'm not saying anymore on this thread, I'll just end it by saying that many people on here would still find something to bitch about if the EU Focus ST was brought here. The C30 thread is epic and has slowly fizzled once pricing was finalized because many of the enthusiasts on here just aren't willing to pony up the big bucks for an econo-based-box. I'm in no way bashing anyone so I'm really hoping people don't try to drag my name through the mud for saying this, I'm just stating my opinion based on what I've seen over the past year or two on this wonderful forum.

-Brian

You must understand by now, the main reason people bitch is to find an excuse not to buy something... not necessarily because it's a valid point to bitch about. I'm sure if we all had the cash, we'd be buying C30s and importing STs and comparing them ourselves. LOL

[Nliiitend1]

Originally Posted by panchocito

I'm quite happy with my ms3... C30 = too expensive

x2

[bigdaddyzx3]

Originally Posted by 2focusd

Hale, I actually was meaning that in the past week or so I've seen numerous posts about this topic, and it reminded me of the nightmare that went on last fall with basically every Focus-related thread in Pit Stop turning into a "let's bash the '08!" thread. I'm not saying anymore on this thread, I'll just end it by saying that many people on here would still find something to bitch about if the EU Focus ST was brought here. The C30 thread is epic and has slowly fizzled once pricing was finalized because many of the enthusiasts on here just aren't willing to pony up the big bucks for an econo-based-box. I'm in no way bashing anyone so I'm really hoping people don't try to drag my name through the mud for saying this, I'm just stating my opinion based on what I've seen over the past year or two on this wonderful forum.

-Brian

Gotcha! Misunderstood, and I agree with you 111%

Thanks for being patient with me... I'm old, and feeble minded. I thought you were jumping in on the bitching.

[Osiris]

I actually dig the Volvo more I think....

[2focusd]

Nope, I was just bracing myself for what I feel will be the future firestorm of round two of the "I'd buy a Euro Focus in a heartbeat if they brought it here.....until it actually gets here and I realize I'm too cheap to buy it, in which case I'll complain cuz the cupholders are different!! " bandwagon

-Brian

[CaysE]

That's some bandwagon!

[CheckMyVitals]

Originally Posted by CaysE

Whoa hold on... this wasn't supposed to be a C30 vs. EDM Focus ST comparison... the C30 is comparable to the NON-ST EDM Focuses. If you want to compare the ST to a Volvo, we'd have to wait for the rumored C30R.

This doesn't make sense to me. The C30 DOES need to be compared to the ST. If the ST were here, it'd be cheaper, just like it is in Europe. That... and they both have a T5. It's hardly an even fair to stack a C30 up against the Zetec. The C30R would have to be compared to the RS... if anything.

Originally Posted by CaysE

You must understand by now, the main reason people bitch is to find an excuse not to buy something... not necessarily because it's a valid point to bitch about. I'm sure if we all had the cash, we'd be buying C30s and importing STs and comparing them ourselves. LOL

I don't mean to pick on you CaysE, I just realize I'm quoting you twice... but this is also completely bull. As I pointed out in the other thread... 80% of us here probably can't afford a Volvo C30 or a future Focus ST. But the C30 does not come in a strippo version for us. I'm in no place to be buying a new car... I hardly make enough coin as a student to even be modding my current car. The C30 is obviously never going to have the Ford Focus prices... that's not it's market. I'm not going to say I just buy the Focus because it's cheap... but if I'm buying a NEW car... it's going to be pretty stripped. If the EDM Focus was here... I'd be buying a new car. If the C30 could be stripped, I'd be buying a new car. If the Mazda3 didn't have such inflated pricing... I'd be buying a new car. Who knows. In 3 years I could be driving a used C30.

[2focusd]

I think what Casey's point dealt with partially is the fact that the majority of the people who bitch the most about the wanting the Euro Focus comes down to it being more upscale and not feeling as "cheap" or econo-box-like like our current offering(s).

-Brian