The first-generation BMW M2 and the Ford Focus Mk3 RS are the coolest things to come out from the mid-2010s. No, I'm not referring to some orangutan who drove both of these cars from a certain streaming TV show. I'm thinking about the starry feeling about these two mid-2010s sports cars.
Both the M2 and the Focus RS are compact midsized sports car wonders that satisfy most drivers behind the wheel. The dynamics and character made these two special in every way but just how different between these two?
Beginning with the Ford Focus Mk3 RS, is known to be the last American hot hatch offered on American soil, although it was fully imported from Europe. It has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine that produces 320PS and it has the strongest braking system ever made for a Ford. Despite being 4WD, the Focus Mk3 RS features Drift Mode that allows this hatchback to drift like a rear-wheel-drive car.
When the first BMW M2 was launched, this successor to the 1M Coupe is powered by a 3.0L six-cylinder turbo engine that produces 370HP of power and 465Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed M DCT for the purpose of being quick on the line. The M2 featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the facelifted version, the M2 Competition. This version saw its engine power bumped to 405HP thanks to a new S55 engine sourced from its M4 big brother, capable of hitting a top speed of 280kph thanks to an optional package.
Having gotten to know these two, it's time to give these shining stars a one-lap drive toward memory lane at Brands Hatch. Man, it's just like I remembered. A long time ago in an upside-down country far far away, I put these two on a heated sprint race and found out that the less powerful Focus RS trumped the M2 by a narrow margin.
Now, here we are. Doing this stint again but this time, this is Gran Turismo 7. The M2 went through greater heights while the Focus RS remained the same. Still, what a reunion these two stars are, and looks like they're going to settle this again, this time at Brands Hatch. Roll the tape.
After the two have the time of their lives, here are the results;
BMW M2 Competiton '18 - 1m45.442s
Ford Focus RS '18 - 1m48.725s
It looks like the M2 is the winner of this...friendly rivalry between the two stars.
Rivals! Friends and foe alike, today and tomorrow! It's been an honor to drive these two machines once more even in a different game like Gran Turismo 7.
Sure, the Focus RS is already gone for good while the BMW M2's story continues in new and exciting ways, but these two are proven to be the most enjoyable machines not because of the performance and dynamics but because of the charm they possess. Something reminded us of a certain rivalry a long time ago.
Sounds girly but it's all about dreaming and rolling. Get it? Dreaming and rolling, that's what these two cars are all about and I love them for it.
Keep your dreams rolling, no matter where you are!
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