Originally Posted by Lug

The Speed3 is on the same platform as the older Focus, 2011 Focus updated to new. I'd expect the MS3 in the next year or so. The MS3 will probably just inch out the ST in performance (10 extra HP, 10 ft/lb extra tq, very close curb weight) but the Ford is a much nicer DD, better suspension and probably nicer interier (depends on taste). The big dif is the Ford is rated at 32 MPG hwy, the MS3 at only 25 MPG hwy. To me the big reason to go MS3 is if you are gonna mod out of the gate. There are a lot of gotyas with these turbo'ed engines but the MS3 crowd has worked out the kinks (they've been on this motor/tranny combo for 6 years and they have a very specific order of mods to do it right, you don't "guess" on this platform). I have no plans to mode for at least 2 years so the Ford makes more sense for me. Overall, either are great picks for DD's in my book.