Ford Mustang EcoBoost and Ford Focus ST head to head comparison

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Value

Mustang: Engineered for worldwide use for the first time in its storied history, the new Ford Mustang represents one of the better deals on the road today. Or at least it did, until Ford Australia underestimated the popularity of the Mustang's return and increased prices for those who had not put down a deposit for the iconic pony car.

Now priced from $45,990 plus on-road costs, the Mustang is available in two trims, the four-cylinder EcoBoost tested here and the more expensive, V8-powered GT. The EcoBooost is well-equipped, with 19-inch wheels, leather trim, an 8-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, a reversing camera, dual-zone climate control and more. It is a significant $11,500 cheaper than the Mustang GT, but $7000 dearer than the Focus ST.

Focus: Like the Mustang, Ford's Focus ST is available in one well-specified trim featuring 18-inch wheels with high-performance Goodyear tyres, Bi-xenon headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen with sat nav, a reversing camera and Ford's clever suite of SYNC infotainment features that are also available on the Mustang.

Significantly cheaper to buy, the Focus is also more fuel efficient and cheaper to run, while also offering superior practically in the form of its five-door hatch body.

Winner: Focus

Inside

Mustang: The Mustang is pure Americana, with galloping horse motifs, over-wrought badging, a "ground speed indicator" in place of a speedo and seats that purport to be sporty, but fall slightly flat. Impressive to behold at first, The Mustang loses ground for its cluttered dash and brittle faux chrome toggle switches.

The Ford redeems itself with a fine driving position (and a range of adjustable pieces), though it's back seat is more a place to plop a bag down than a useful area to accommodate passengers.

Focus: The Focus takes a European approach with clean and understated styling that marks a serious improvement over the previous generation's mess of buttons. A lovely flat-bottomed steering wheel joins deeply sculpted Recaro seats that offer loads of support, but can be uncomfortable for full-framed drivers who sit on, rather than in them.

The Focus doesn't feature fake materials and its rear pews are genuinely useable, lending it the win here.

Winner: Focus

Under the bonnet

Mustang: The Mustang and Focus both use turbocharged four-cylinder engines from Ford's EcoBoost family, though the American coupe has the advantage thanks to its larger 2.3-litre motor.

The Mustang's engine is a gem, producing linear torque throughout its rev range and enough grunt to satisfy most sports car owners. Responsive and flexible, the EcoBoost Mustang is worthy of consideration alongside its V8-powered twin. The Ford's 233kW and 433Nm are impressive, particularly when you consider that the last Mustang sold here in 2001 made 240kW and 430Nm from a 4.6-litre engine with double this car's engine capacity.

It loses points, however, for a slightly sloppy gearshift and fake engine noise that's played through the stereo. The synthesised digital rumble quickly wears thin, eroding away from the coupe's authenticity.

Focus: While this hatchback is outgunned on paper, it feels remarkably fit on the road. Producing 'just' 184kW and 360Nm, the Focus' 2.0-litre engine should feel shaded by the Mustang. But the five-door's motor feels more enthusiastic, with closer gearing and an appetite for revs that engages drivers more readily.

It's the more efficient of the duo, and the front-wheel-drive Focus has a sweeter transmission. It's artificially enhanced engine noise is achieved through pipes that physically resonate as opposed to digital sound files, which is a more convincing approach.

Winner: Mustang

How it drives

Mustang: This Mustang is a relaxed machine to drive, loping along comfortably on long cruises without fuss. It has a settled ride and slightly soft suspension that invites drivers to find a rhythm some way short of breakneck speed, happier at a canter than a gallop.

Push harder, though, and it still works, with plenty of bite from 352mm front brakes and meaty Pirelli tyres. The lighter EcoBoost Mustang feels sharper than its V8 sibling, more halfback than prop forward when pointed at a challenging road.

It's a competent and engaging car, though the four-cylinder Mustang lacks drama when driven briskly. It's a more welcoming car than the Focus, the iconic coupe feeling more like an everyday car than its hatchback sibling.

Focus: The ST lives up to the Focus name by being sharper and more responsive than its American sibling.

Benefiting from a weight advantage of more than 200 kilograms, the Focus feels lighter on its feet, with a honed precision the Mustang can't match.

It's also far more involving to drive, with more than a dollop of torquesteer under heavy throttle inputs and a willingness to wag its tail during committed cornering.

We've driven both on track on separate occasions and can comfortably say that the Focus - reigning Best Performance Car under $60,000 in Drive's Car of the Year awards - is the more engaging machine.

Winner: Focus

Street appeal

Mustang: There is something special about the Mustang's appeal. We tested it here in the most anonymous trim possible - a silver, four-cylinder coupe - and were inundated with questions from people keen to know about the car. Popular, recognisable and iconic, the Mustang is a feel-good machine that transcends class and genre.

Yes, you'll have to spend plenty of time explaining to people that it's not the V8 version. And yes, the Mustang's novelty will wear thin as thousands more reach Australian roads this year.

But for now, this is one of the most talked-about cars on the road, one many people would love to be seen in.

Focus: The ST flies under the radar thanks to its everyday body and relatively muted styling. Yes, there are kudos to be had from car enthusiasts, but most people will see this as "just a Focus", rather than one of the most engaging cars on sale under $50,000. Then again, that's a significant part of a hot hatch's appeal for many buyers.

As with the EcoBoost Mustang, the Focus ST is the little brother in a high-performance duo, playing second-fiddle to a $50,900 Focus RS due later this year. If you can afford it, and are prepared to wait, the RS promises to be one of the hottest cars on the road this year.

Winner: Mustang

Overall

Mustang: Ford's Mustang is a welcome inclusion to the brand's lineup. Stylish and likeable, the Mustang is a car that will make buyers feel special like few other machines on the road.

Focus: Though it might not have the looks or heritage of its showroom rival, the Focus ST remains one of the best hot hatchbacks on sale. It's more fun to drive than the Mustang, offers superior value and practicality too.

Winner: Focus
Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Price: $45,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 233kW at 5600rpm

Torque: 432Nm at 3000rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel use: 8.5L/100km
Ford Focus ST

Price: $38,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 184kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 360Nm at 2000-4500rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel-drive

Fuel use: 7.4L/100km

http://www.drive.com.au/what-car-sho...22-gn0svr.html