focus st 170 or cliosport 172

[Tommygun89]

as above im looking for new car in the near future and am looking at the two listed above at the moment. just wanted some opinions on preference from you guys on speed, looks .......

cheers

[bide_furio]

172 anyday mate!

[Bickerton]

Depends what you expect from them

[Mk1VTR]

ST170 are awsome mate but arnt really that quick till ya screw the nuts off it up the revs!!
ST170 for me!!

[Reechard]

Clio 172 any day.
Especially after my mates ST 170 spun and crashed and got written off.
It wasnt being driven hard at all either, 30mph round a bend.

Although other ST 170's I have been in are good cars.

Clio will be more fun I think and they are highly tunable.

[VTomR]

172 all day long.

[danzman1991]

focus, clio is a kiddy's car

[Ryan]

focus, clio is a kiddy's car

yet its a better car out of the box.

If it was an old shape RS then it would be a touch different, although at least the st170 isnt a poverty spec i guess :cool:

[Tommygun89]

cheers everyone keep opinions coming

[danzman1991]

yet its a better car out of the box.

If it was an old shape RS then it would be a touch different, although at least the st170 isnt a poverty spec i guess :cool:

haha, i was joking, but i knew you'd have a little pop

[russh84]

clio without a shadow of a doubt

[jonathon5]

172 all day

[K17NEY]

ST170s are shit imo.

[Tommo87]

Clio

can't believe I just advised somone to get a Clio

[Heliosphan]

ST170 doesn't excite me at all.

Clio for me.

[bfc2dabone]

Depends what you expect from them

plus 1, id like the clio for fun, but ive been looking at getting the focus, i like the look of it, its bigger than the sax, which is a big plus as ive two pretty big kids, ive also been looking at an astra gsi, think they look great, but have heard a few bad things about them

[johnlambert]

Clio...

[JamesR]

Clio, the focus is terrible.

[D--R--E--W]

both have good qualities but would prefer the focus, my parents have had one for years and they have barely spent a penny on it

[bushy90]

Personally love the Focus, think its got a nice stance to it + a few luxuries

[Junaid]

172 clio

[Peter_D]

The Focus ST170 looks dull as fuck, get the Clio

[lemon191]

id say if you are looking for long term id say focus since it will be more comfy looks abit more grown up than the clio imo however the clio will be more fun

focus gets my vote though

[Ryan]

id say if you are looking for long term id say focus since it will be more comfy looks abit more grown up than the clio imo however the clio will be more fun

focus gets my vote though

the focus interior isnt exactly much to write home about sadly.

[Mr_P]

VTS!!!!



Fucking second page and no-one had said it :P


But seriously, The clio is in a different league altogether.

[joehow12]

Ryan the Focus st170 full leather option is really nice.

The chassis on the focus is awesome and it could handle alot more power.

I think if i had the choice of bog standard 172 or the focus id say focus. But if we can have 172 cup that wins all day long

[moxy89]

are the st170 not really poor performing cars... A friends vts was neck and neck at santa pod.

clio ftw

[Mr_P]

are the st170 not really poor performing cars... A friends vts was neck and neck at santa pod.

clio ftw

I've had a play against my mates ST170 in my standard VTS and there was very little in it. It was neck and neck in almost every aspect apart from sharp twisty's when he had absolutely no way of keeping up.

[Shaneybaby]

1 billion percent clio 172. Without a shadow of a doubt. If it's a cup, 1 trillion

[Ryan]

Ryan the Focus st170 full leather option is really nice.

The chassis on the focus is awesome and it could handle alot more power.

I think if i had the choice of bog standard 172 or the focus id say focus. But if we can have 172 cup that wins all day long

i didnt find my mates that comfortable/impressive tbh, and the dash and layout of it is shocking and looks pikey

I like fords but the 170 to me just was meh.

[tom130691]

if you get a 172 your a spaz tbh
focus looks better, wont be as ragged ect

[joehow12]

The leather recaro interior is awesome. The focus chassis is awesome.

Lol at all these people saying 172 i wonder how many have driven or been in both... I bet very few.

Also who gives a shit if a VTS is level with one at santa pod... drag strips really dont say much.

I do agree with 172 is the superior handling car... but id say youd only reall notice of 8/10ths where you dont spend most of your time neway.

[gaz_vtr_]

172 for fun definately all day long but if u want something thats a bit more practical focus but if u settle ur heart on the clio go ahead and look at a 182 trophy because i had a 172 and i was pining for the trophy constantly lol (mainly for interior)oh n i only got rid of the clio as lost job and needed something a little less thirsty 32mpg and insurance was sky high for me (fuckin dr10)

[Ryan]

The leather recaro interior is awesome. The focus chassis is awesome.

Lol at all these people saying 172 i wonder how many have driven or been in both... I bet very few.


I have been in both :homme:

Id take an FRS from this shape any day, heck i was toying with buying one. the ST though....

[joehow12]

I wasnt aiming that at you Ryan... I know you have a 172 and you said your mate had one lol.

Yeah the mk1 FRS is a much nicer car than the MK2 also a shade quicker in a straight line due to less weight.

Might I also add st170's are a darn sight more expensive than standard 172's

[Peter_D]

Id rather the old RS than an ST any day

[Ryan]

I wasnt aiming that at you Ryan... I know you have a 172 and you said your mate had one lol.

Yeah the mk1 FRS is a much nicer car than the MK2 also a shade quicker in a straight line due to less weight.

Might I also add st170's are a darn sight more expensive than standard 172's

mk1 FRS also isnt as chavvy looking as the new gen.

Although in white they are growing on me a bit more so..

[CHIP]

Focus' are meant to be very good handling car's. My dad said his was awesome. But i've heard that the 170 isn't that quick. Not much quicker than the standard 2litre Focus.

I'd have the Clio probably, just because i have a soft spot for Clio's as i had a Clio for my first and second car's.

[inkedandpierced]

I've heard the focus isn't tht quick either. Ive driven a 182 and it is loads of fun. The Clio looks better as well do I'd have to say Clio :)

[Russ_16v]

I think i can give a good view, as i own both lol

They are very different cars.

The Clio is more fun and faster.

The Focus is more confortable and is a much nicer place to be in.

The handling is about the same i would say, i can carry more speed in the Clio, but remembering back to when my Clio was standard they are quite equal.

The Clio has a lot more bottom end, pulls better from lower revs, the Focus needs to be kept above 5000 rpm to keep it on the boil, though having the 6 speed is nice

It depends what you want from a car, the Clio is my better choice, but you may find the Focus is the better option for you, it has a lot of neat touches like oil pressure and temp guages, footwell lights and a 100 times better seating position.

[Russ_16v]

Oh, to add, i cirtainly dont mind taking the Focus if we ever need to go anywhere, its nice, comfortable and nice to throw about, also they are not slow as long as you keep th revs up, floor it from a low rpm in a high gear and be prepared for a long wait lol


I definately suggest driving both, il never sell my Clio, but il be sad to see the ST goes when i sell it.

[Mieran]

looks = focus
performance = clio

i wouldnt get either

[vtrsaz]

All i can say about a ford is SHIT..SHIT...AND MORE SHIT.:n:

[Odsy]

Clios are a girls car :(

[Odsy]

looks = focus
performance = clio

i wouldnt get either

+1 yeps

[0rang3peel]

Clio 172 but I think I would just add a bit of coinage and get a 182

[essexdon]

172 all the time

[MiniGibbo]

A "what car thread" and nobodys mentioned a bmw, shame on you :homme:

Get a E46 330 would trance both them

Holy thread bump..

[KamRacing]

PH1 clio stands out from the other run of the mill clios. Other than the trophy I would not get the others. Too mundane. Clio is a really capable car as a daily. With good fuel consumption and comfort when cruising but with good power on tap. I would get a whiteline ARB for it though as its a little too safe handling wise. Shame I wont be able to keep mine long term as I need a more family focused car. Trying to convince the missus that a 330 is not a big car, but she never liked my old 325 saying it was a blokes car.
I've always liked the way the Focus handles. Turns in well, but not driven the 170 to know how the engine compares.

[Furio-Gazza]

None, there's better cars out there for the price :y:

[KamRacing]

clio RS ph1 are cheaper than saxo's and 106

[Stissy]

focus st170 - then when people ask "what car do you drive?" you dont have to say "an old clio"

[Jazz]

I think a ST170 would be a much nicer car to live with day in day out. Probably built better as well by what I have seen.

[Ryan]

focus st170 - then when people ask "what car do you drive?" you dont have to say "an old clio"

you will have people think you drive an old focus with a sexually transmitted infection/tampon instead lol.

[lee_saxo]

st170's are plain and dull. I'd rather drive a Saxo

[Stissy]

you will have people think you drive an old focus with a sexually transmitted infection/tampon instead lol.

nah everyone knows what a focus st is, where ever you go you'll be able to say "i drive a focus st" and people will know its a fairly quick, smart looking car, when you say "clio" people instantly think of a 'just passed' girls car like this:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/image-gallery/201130406015180/image-id/1739458610/advert-type/standard-listing

because thats the first thing that comes into my head when someone says clio - and even if you said "clio 172" not many people will know what that means...

[Ryan]

Most people who know cars will know what an ST and a clio sport is.

most normal people will just think focus or clio and wont think the clio is a poverty spec and the focus some special thing.

The focus ST isnt something which is higher status or admired, as i said a year ago the RS is. If anything the cliosport brand is stronger than the ford ST170 one, but then as said the RS brand is fords flagship here.

http://www.click-cars.co.uk/5395/images/car_id_23_1.jpg

[CHIP]

I made my choice.

The focus would be better built but I can't shed much more light after never having experienced one. The Clio is a good car though, pokey enough, handles well... Build quality is leagues ahead of a Saxo. Good upgrade IMO.

[lee_saxo]

nah everyone knows what a focus st is, where ever you go you'll be able to say "i drive a focus st" and people will know its a fairly quick, smart looking car



Yes until people see it expecting a proper Focus ST and realise you meant ST170, wa wa waaaaaaaaaaaaa fail

[CHIP]

Clio 172 but I think I would just add a bit of coinage and get a 182

Why? A few grand more for some nasty wheels an extra exhaust pipe and cruise control. There's no point. Unless you specifically want cup suspension with leather.

[Stissy]

Most people who know cars will know what an ST and a clio sport is.

most normal people will just think focus or clio and wont think the clio is a poverty spec and the focus some special thing.

The focus ST isnt something which is higher status or admired, as i said a year ago the RS is. If anything the cliosport brand is stronger than the ford ST170 one, but then as said the RS brand is fords flagship here.

i'm looking at it from an outsiders point of view... most people who know about cars will know what both is yeah, but most people who know very little about cars (like someone you're chatting to in a bar, or your new girlfriends dad, or someone from work/uni) will know what a focus ST is, pretty much everyone knows what a focus ST is, hardly anyone (who's not into cars) knows what a clio 172 is, if you get me? i knew what an ST was when i was about 17, i only really knew about the cliosports when i started getting into cars about 19ish, i'm sure most people are the same

[KamRacing]

focus st170 - then when people ask "what car do you drive?" you dont have to say "an old clio"

are you really that insecure?
I've never felt embarrassed about any car i've gone out and bought and I've owned far worse vehicles than a clio RS. Those who know cars will understand, those who dont either wont care or their opinion is so stupid its to be ignored.

[Stissy]

are you really that insecure?
I've never felt embarrassed about any car i've gone out and bought and I've owned far worse vehicles than a clio RS. Those who know cars will understand, those who dont either wont care or their opinion is so stupid its to be ignored.

insecure? i think thats the wrong word there... no i'm not, but i do have a lot of self image, and a nice car is part of a good self image

[Ryan]

i'm looking at it from an outsiders point of view... most people who know about cars will know what both is yeah, but most people who know very little about cars (like someone you're chatting to in a bar, or your new girlfriends dad, or someone from work/uni) will know what a focus ST is, pretty much everyone knows what a focus ST is, hardly anyone (who's not into cars) knows what a clio 172 is, if you get me? i knew what an ST was when i was about 17, i only really knew about the cliosports when i started getting into cars about 19ish, i'm sure most people are the same

see my post...

Car nuts will know both.

People who dont know much wont know either.

If you think that people who dont know much about cars will know what an ST170 is over the 'focus' name you are deluded. Much how most wont know what the clio sport range is. Now the RAC use ford focus's (or have done for their learner cars) so you could argue it also has the same old BSM type image of the corsa B.

[KamRacing]

Why? A few grand more for some nasty wheels an extra exhaust pipe and cruise control. There's no point. Unless you specifically want cup suspension with leather.

but they come with a better map, improved inlet and a 4-2-1 manifold which arguably does little. I'd stick a matched inlet and an RS tuner map on a ph1 and save £3k :D

[TypeRDavid]

Both will be good cars to drive imo, i would go personally for the Clio.

[Stissy]

see my post...

Car nuts will know both.

People who dont know much wont know either.

If you think that people who dont know much about cars will know what an ST170 is over the 'focus' name you are deluded. Much how most wont know what the clio sport range is. Now the RAC use ford focus's (or have done for their learner cars) so you could argue it also has the same old BSM type image of the corsa B.

maybe, but what i'm saying is that more people know what an ST is over a 172

[CHIP]

but they come with a better map, improved inlet and a 4-2-1 manifold which arguably does little. I'd stick a matched inlet and an RS tuner map on a ph1 and save £3k :D

I'll agree it's more worth buying a ph1. I don't think the 182's performance is enough to warrant the extra penny's, thats all. I paid £1850 for my ph2 172 which IMO goes to show just how much of a bargain they can be compared to the 182's.

[TypeRDavid]

maybe, but what i'm saying is that more people know what an ST is over a 172

I'd say it was the other way around personally.

[CHIP]

maybe, but what i'm saying is that more people know what an ST is over a 172

Most people not into cars wouldn't even recognise an st170. The only time they recognise a later ST is when it's orange.

[Ryan]

I'd say it was the other way around personally.

Most people not into cars wouldn't even recognise an st170. The only time they recognise a later ST is when it's orange.

+1.

As said the RS brand is strong and has alot of history which most will know, the clio sport is very well known. The 'ST' isnt.

[Stissy]

fair enough - though i knew what an ST was long before i knew what a 172 was, as for RS i've only recently heard of that when they bought the new focus RS out

[devilsadvocate]

I would step up and get a 182 if it were me....

[CHIP]

fair enough - though i knew what an ST was long before i knew what a 172 was, as for RS i've only recently heard of that when they bought the new focus RS out

You are having a laugh?? The RS name is older than you lol. The Rs1600 escorts of rallying etc which are legendary.

[Lewis1600]

I have some love for the focus st170 recently... i would really like one as a next car.. very confy. and i think sound nice..

And they look modern i think.. (more grown up sort of look)

[Stissy]

You are having a laugh?? The RS name is older than you lol. The Rs1600 escorts of rallying etc which are legendary.

having a laugh? :homme:
yeah, i've never been into rallying, never been into fords, never wanked off a tranny, just one of those things i dont know about

[Gandi699]

I've not driven an ST170 but i'm going to say go for either a 172 or 182. I only bought a 182 as I preferred its colour to the 172s available at the time. To me the ST170 looks boring. Also buy the car for the pleasure of driving it, not what others think how "cool" you look in it as essentially a hot hatch can never be "cool" as its still a shopping car underneath

[Gandi699]

Why? A few grand more for some nasty wheels an extra exhaust pipe and cruise control. There's no point. Unless you specifically want cup suspension with leather.

Nothing wrong with 182 wheels whatsoever but you are right, there is not much difference. Everyone changes the suspension anyway, so doesnt really matter whats on it to begin with.

[CEdwards]

I would step up and get a 182 if it were me....

+1 this

[CHIP]

having a laugh? :homme:
yeah, i've never been into rallying, never been into fords, never wanked off a tranny, just one of those things i dont know about

Lol your attitude could do with some work.

Most people don't need to be into fords to know how well they did rallying, that's all. Not only did the RS range do well in rallying it did extremely well in touring cars too. It's a massively well known name so for someone on a car forum who is supposedly a car enthusiast I found it surprising you didn't know the RS name too well.

And to the person above, sorry I just don't like 182 wheels much :P

[Stissy]

Lol your attitude could do with some work.

Most people don't need to be into fords to know how well they did rallying, that's all. Not only did the RS range do well in rallying it did extremely well in touring cars too. It's a massively well known name so for someone on a car forum who is supposedly a car enthusiast I found it surprising you didn't know the RS name too well.

And to the person above, sorry I just don't like 182 wheels much :P

ahh i'm sorry man - car enthusiast yeah, car anorak... no

i'm interested in modern cars, mainly the VAG scene, and the street modified cars, the old vw scene too, i go to dub meets, and vag shows, not so much the old scene or rallying or anything like that, or F1 etc that doesn't interest me

[Peter_D]

Why? A few grand more for some nasty wheels an extra exhaust pipe and cruise control. There's no point. Unless you specifically want cup suspension with leather.

I would never buy a 172, purely because i think the 182 looks far nicer

[REVO_OTE]

I would never buy a 172, purely because i think the 182 looks far nicer

+1 Agreed

[Ryan]

I would never buy a 172, purely because i think the 182 looks far nicer

182 with cup packs is the best buy £ for £ for a fun daily out of the range really..

I dont like the twin poo pipes though, which really is the only difference. Both stock wheels are gash.

[Tommo87]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the fuel bills that are associated with the ST170.

[sarajayne22]

Clio for sure.

[CHIP]

I would never buy a 172, purely because i think the 182 looks far nicer

That's fair enough dude, personal opinion's and all. I bought the 172 as i prefer the more understated look to it such as the exhaust.

Tbf though, if you put a different set of wheels on mine then unless you look at it from the back it could be a 182 (unless ofcourse you were anorak enough to know 182's didn't come in Flame Red lol).... So slightly throw's your argument a little.

[Gandi699]

I personally think the flame red should have stayed on for the 182. Perhaps made it the trophy colour, as in my opinion Capsicum red on the trophy is poor

[Lewis1600]

having a laugh? :homme:
yeah, i've never been into rallying, never been into fords, never wanked off a tranny, just one of those things i dont know about

Never heard of the RS cosworth??

lol

[Jamie]

I'd go for the Clio, only go for an RS in the Mk1 Focus.

[LSOfreak]

out of the two id choose a clio, just becuase i think a focus looks like a barge. must handle like poo

not a fan of either tbh
the clio's are getting sooo common these days with absolutely everyone upgrading from a saxo/106 to a clio

[TypeRDavid]

out of the two id choose a clio, just becuase i think a focus looks like a barge. must handle like poo

not a fan of either tbh
the clio's are getting sooo common these days with absolutely everyone upgrading from a saxo/106 to a clio

Focus has always been a fine handling car imo.

[CHIP]

Focus is meant to be a very good handling car. My dad reckoned his 1.6 Focus was even a good handling car, just lacked power obviously.

Lol at Clios being too common now, some have been wrote off so if anything they're less common than they used to be lol.

[jonesyFX]

Clio FTW ;)

[Peter_D]

I personally think the flame red should have stayed on for the 182. Perhaps made it the trophy colour, as in my opinion Capsicum red on the trophy is poor

Srsly? The shade of red on the Trophy is lovely! I love that colour

I think the flame red is a horrible colour...it's not quite sure if it wants to be red, pink or purple

[CHIP]

Srsly? The shade of red on the Trophy is lovely! I love that colour

I think the flame red is a horrible colour...it's not quite sure if it wants to be red, pink or purple

Purple? Have you actually seen Flame Red in person? Lol... Not one person who has seen my car has said it's a horrible colour. They tend to really like it. It's red/gold in the sun, deep red on a cloudy day and admittedly a little pink at night.