Really?!?! I always thought they were one of the few good sounding 4 cylinders with an aftermarket exhaust.

Yeah, as much as I like my Z, boxer engine in the WRX sounds good, dare I say better than a stock Z... and I have owned both.

Might also throw the 2016 Ford Focus RS In to the discussion as well now that the specs are out

350 hp/350tq and pretty much the same price as an sti. DAMN!

The Ford Focus RS Will Have 350 Horsepower, 350 Pound-Feet Of Torque

Sti killer

I understand that much of someone's car choice is heavily subjective, but I really can't understand why anyone would spend 37k on a Focus. Why the hell is there a market for this car? (yea, I know my first sentence answered this) But I can't understand why anyone would spend 35-40k on an STI either, and that happens. As I know some folks on here also own an STI...and I mean no offense. I'm just not a fan of the visuals or the performance at that price tag. But, to each their own.

From a numbers perspective, it would be hard to argue against the Focus RS. It's quick. But it's still a Focus...It looks terrible. I don't care if that thing had 500 HP, I'd never want to drive in something that looks like a glorified econobox. It looks like Ford's version of a Prius. Awful. And again, 37k for a Ford Focus...I just don't care what is under the hood. Who would want to wake up in the morning, get ready for work, and go out into your garage and see a Focus after you've been walking out to a Z every morning? It's like dumping Kate Upton (insert girl you like) for Miss Piggy.

If I wanted a little more room, and a backseat for 37k, I'd just buy a 2016 Camaro SS. At least I can have some dignity driving that around. It doesn't hurt that all signs are pointing to it being hands down the best all around sports car under 40k (performance wise).

Anyway, I'm not trying to pick on you, I just hate the idea of the Focus RS, as you likely noticed. Frankly, this is actually a good suggestion, based on what the OP said. I just wanted to rant a little bit.

Heh..I hear you man and I agree. It's still just a focus, but bang for the buck not a terrible choice. I can't hate much on the STi, since I owned a 2006 =). The wing was a bit much, but I enjoyed the car until the engine blew up at 32k (oil pickup tube issue). It never really ran quite right after getting the engine replaced. I definitely wouldn't trade up the Z for a focus or go back to another STi for the price they're going for now.

This man...could be my best friend.

Hahahaha.



And now I'm derailing this thread...oh well.

Screw the haters. The RS is a monster!

It's currently the talk of all my friends. If it was out while I was shopping around for my Z I may not have been here to type this out.

Dont even consider a wrx! Sure nice power but its under 30k for a reason. The z is overbuilt and you wont break anything. The wrx will need built parts in a few years. As for the sti, i had a built 2015 sti and to be honest I like my stock nismo more... I also have no use for backseats but if you want back seats go buy a beater and enjoy the z