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2013 Volkswagen GTI Overall 4.5 Comfort   Performance Fuel Economy  Interior Exterior Styling |
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2013 Ford Focus ST Overall 4 Comfort Performance Fuel Economy Interior Exterior Styling |
Where the GTI carries its strongest advantage is definitely in its handling capabilities. Though its suspension isn’t tuned quite as aggressively as that of the Focus ST, it is remarkably stable at its limits and never feels the least bit squirrelly. It’s also far more compliant on rougher pavement, making it quite a bit more enjoyable for daily driving depending on how smooth your local roads are. Possibly due to its weight advantage and slightly shorter wheelbase, the GTI remains near perfectly neutral in the bends and seldom ever breaks into understeer. As much as there’s something to be said about a car like the ST that makes you work hard to drive fast, the GTI just inspires a level of confidence from behind the wheel, which is likely part of why it has gained so many loyal fans over the years.
The Results
Though I’m slightly surprised to be saying it, it seems the old dog, or Wolf in this case, still has enough bark to fight off the young contender. In day-to-day driving the GTI proved more enjoyable to run around, and when things got heated it was never one to disappoint.
Now don’t get me wrong, if someone were to offer me a Focus ST I certainly wouldn’t turn it down. It easily bested the GTI when it came to the spec sheets, and those seats have set a real benchmark as far as I’m concerned. It also offered up a touch more space in the rear passenger area, but then lost points in cargo capacity due to the sloped rear hatch. All in all, the ST just lands a close step behind the GTI, but not by much at all. I’ve got to give Ford credit for taking a real run at Volkswagen in the category, and if they keep it up they might just take the GTI down in the years to come.
Pricing: 2013 Volkswagen GTI Wolfsburg Edition
Base Price: $32,775
Options: $1,400 (6-speed DSG twin clutch automatic gearbox with Tiptronic)
Freight & PDI: $1,395
Price as tested: $35,570 plus applicable taxes
Pricing: 2013 Ford Focus ST
Base Price: $29,999
Options: $3,200 (Tangerine Scream 3-coat paint, Technology package, Power Moonroof, Navigation System)
Freight & PDI: $1,550
Price as tested: $34,749 plus applicable taxes
Competitors:
Mazdaspeed3
Subaru WRX 5-door
Mini Cooper S
