Ford Focus RS vs Volkswagen Golf R: The Ultimate Hot Hatch Showdown

Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles lies one of California's best driving roads - Highway 39. This serpentine tarmac ribbon climbs dramatically into the mountains, offering 25 miles of uninterrupted twists and turns before reaching a landslide-blocked dead end. It's here that we put two of the most exciting hot hatches of their generation head-to-head: the 2017 Ford Focus RS and the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R.

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Performance Showdown: Turbocharged All-Wheel-Drive Thrills

At first glance, these European-bred hot hatches share remarkable similarities. Both feature turbocharged four-cylinder engines, sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems, and hatchback practicality. But their approaches to performance diverge significantly when you look closer.

Acceleration and Power Delivery

While both vehicles post similar 0-60 mph times (4.7 seconds for the Focus RS, 4.9 seconds for the Golf R), the driving experience couldn't be more different. The Focus RS delivers its power with violent urgency, particularly above 3,200 rpm where its twin-scroll turbo comes alive. The Golf R's powerband feels more linear but less exciting, despite its torque peak arriving at just 1,800 rpm.

Transmission Choices

The Focus RS exclusively offers a six-speed manual transmission with a heavy clutch that rewards aggressive driving but proves tiresome in traffic. The Golf R's six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic delivers lightning-fast shifts in Race mode while offering smooth operation around town. Purists may prefer the manual, but the DSG is objectively the better performance transmission.

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Handling and Driving Dynamics

Through Highway 39's endless switchbacks, these hot hatches reveal their true characters. Both feature adaptive suspensions, but their implementations differ dramatically.

Suspension Tuning

The Focus RS in Sport mode delivers nearly telepathic turn-in response with minimal body roll. Its Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system can send 100% of rear torque to either wheel, allowing throttle-steering on corner exit. The tradeoff? A punishing ride quality that transmits every pavement imperfection to the cabin.

The Golf R's 4Motion AWD uses brake-based torque vectoring, resulting in slightly less precise power delivery. Its suspension offers more compliance, making it the better choice for real-world roads.

Tire and Grip Considerations

Our test Focus RS wore aggressive Michelin Pilot Super Sports, while the Golf R came with less extreme Pirelli P Zeros. This contributed to the Ford's superior cornering grip but also increased road noise.

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Daily Driving Comfort and Practicality

Where the Golf R pulls ahead is in everyday usability - an important consideration for most buyers.

Ride Quality and Comfort

The Focus RS's optional Recaro seats provide excellent support during aggressive driving but prove uncomfortable for daily use. The Golf R's seats strike a better balance between support and comfort, with available heating and ventilation options.

Interior Quality and Space

Volkswagen's interior materials and build quality outclass the Ford's, particularly in touch points. Rear seat passengers fare better in the Golf R too, with available climate vents and better outward visibility.

Technology and Safety Features

The technology battle reveals another area where these competitors diverge.

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Infotainment Systems

Both systems offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Ford's SYNC 3 interface proves more intuitive with faster response times. The Golf R's system looks more upscale but can be confusing to navigate.

Advanced Safety Systems

Here the Golf R dominates, offering standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Focus RS offers only a basic backup camera.

The Verdict: Which Hot Hatch Reigns Supreme?

Choosing between these two exceptional performance cars ultimately depends on your priorities:

Choose the Ford Focus RS if:

• You prioritize driving excitement above all else
• You prefer a manual transmission
• This will be a weekend/second car
• You don't mind a firm ride

Choose the Volkswagen Golf R if:

• You need an all-around daily driver
• You value comfort and refinement
• Advanced safety features are important
• You prefer an automatic transmission

Both represent the pinnacle of hot hatch performance in their own ways. The Focus RS delivers uncompromising driving thrills, while the Golf R offers nearly as much performance with far greater everyday usability. Your perfect choice depends on which blend of these qualities best matches your driving life.

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