Hi guys - thought I’d take you on a drive with me and have a chat about the RS, and close the debate about Mk2 vs Mk3. We hit some nice roads along the way 😊
@@robertyates6913 Rob it's nice to hear someone who loves ford rs even at our age i had a escort rs lot of years ago always loved the focus RS mk 2 so when I bought one everyone said i was having a mid life crisis lol but when I'm behind the wheel it doesn't matter you feel great and when you're in it people always looking at the car I've had a fue Ford's but there's something special about this one keep young
Well I'm 62 and just picked up a 2 owner blue rs couple of weeks ago. Also got elec orange st with mountune. Had an rs in 2009. Had Porsche sl55 AMG. Xkr. Now back to my Ford's.
@@pianov8 I too bought an Electric Orange ST (XR5 out here) in 2006 when they first come out. We were all in awe of that 5 pot back then. Oh and I was only 46 back then. Never too old.
I always see the RS's like a family. Mk1 the dad, old but a strong bloodline, and the return of an old herritage. Mk2, the older brother, has the most character, a lives up to it's name of a crazy hot hatch. mk3, younger brother, more modern and filled with tech, but doesn't have the same brute feeling as the older cars. Still is part of the family and owns it's space.
Great video ... So good to see you give it a boot full and the smile it puts on your face. ... just love the sound of that 5 cylinder engine! While I don't have a Mk2 RS I have a modified Mk2 ST 225 (It's called an XR5 here in Australia) that's putting out similar power to an RS also driving through an LSD. It's a smashing car to drive through a twisty mountain road ... it grips and goes and just sounds glorious doing so.
I’ve had nice cars & love my cars, but also ride a bike. I’ve said this before, you get bellends on the pavement, on a bike, on a motorbike, behind the wheel of a car,van,truck.
You drive my dream car man. Great video of you just enjoying your machine on a lovely rode. And yes, the engine does make it a legendary vehicle. Had a Fokus St with the 2.5 i5. The engine sound makes it so special, and now seeing your vid I would really love to own a Mk2 RS. Hold on to her!
Managed to get out in mine this week, I took it over to SCC in St Albans for its service & MOT.. smiled every second there and back. It reminded me why I love my Mk2 so much! It’s going back on the 16th for the timing belt/water pump replacement as it’s now 10 years old.. like you, for peace of mind 👍🏼
@@CarFocused Definitely mate..bloody loved it! Got a few laughs at SCC when they realised I'd only done 39 miles in a year..lol Great vid though mate, glad you're enjoying your RS, shes a beaut
I enjoy your videos. I’m actually not a huge fan of the Mk2 RS, I started watching your channel when you had the Mk3 as I was considering having one as a daily. You explain your reasons behind changing to a Mk2 well, it’s clearly a hell of a car! You’re one of the better people on RU-vid for getting across the feel of a car and how engaging the experience behind the wheel is. Your reasons for keeping it mostly garaged are valid. It’s an old car now, daily use would take it’s toll. If you want to keep it as a long term toy then it makes sense to keep it as you do. I agree that the Mk2 RS is something to cherish now. People have laughed at me for keeping a MG ZR as a garage toy. Yeah it’s worthless and most people laugh at them, but I’ve had it sixteen years from new. It’s immaculate and It was the most fun I could have within my budget at the time and I genuinely love the rawness and feel of it so I’ve kept it. It’s your car do with it as you please, if that means it only comes out in the dry then so be it. You’ll reap the benefits as time goes on. I think the way a car makes you feel is actually more important than outright performance. You convey the way a car feels and I enjoy your content because of it. I’m more of a old school Ford fan, the old Escorts and Capris - but I still take an interest in the Fiesta ST & Focus ST/RS of any generation. My daily is now a MG ZT-T, cheap and easy to DIY maintain, great for putting mountain bikes into the back of it and it’s a rewarding drive. I can’t bring myself to finance or PCP a car which will only deteriorate and loose value. Just doesn’t seem worth it. To me what you’re doing with this RS makes perfect sense.
I have almost the same, a MK2 ST with a custom map, huge 5" cat back exhaust - really loud, RS Clutch, upgraded induction kit, roughly 300hp, will keep with a stock RS. So much fun, not good on fuel, good handling, but can't put power through 2 front wheels in lower gears - 3rd gear and higher is great.
Another awesome video, could watch them all day. Again as an owner of both totally agree with everything you said. Got to say you were a bit unlucky with the Mk3. I haven't had an ounce of problems with mine and it's 3 years old this month.
Great vid Gary ..... great to see you enjoying your car ..... I loved your Mk3 rs , very capable car but the mk2 looks absolutely stunning 🔥🔥🔥, ..... regarding what else would we like to see .... I loved the vid when you got loads of rs together on that runway , it was very interesting to see the difference in all the cars maybe get a couple of Mk1 mk2 and Mk3 rs together for something similar ?
Heres something you can try, from standing start get up to around 40mph quickly then dip and hold the clutch and pop the accelerator as quick as you can whilst free wheeling 😉 Brilliant vid and representation of an awesome car ✌😁
Hiya Gaz! Believe it or not....as one of your real early subscribers....this is probably one of thee best videos you've done in my opinion! Personally I think you've done the right thing in going back to the MK2 RS. It looks and sounds way better in every way....proper old skool and raw ! It's weird because like your Mk3 RS it was similar to my older Audi TTS....the car was doing most of the work for you, with 4 wheel drive and electronic aids....and after 2 years....although lightening fast off the line....it became a little boring because it took some of that driving feel away! That's why I went for a FK8 Civic Type R ....because it's very similar to your Mk2 RS in its driving style....albeit bang up to date with its modern aids....it just makes you more focused and its a more raw driving experience....the only thing it lacks is that beautiful sound of your 5 pot !! One of the sweetest sounding engines in my opinion is the 5 pot....hell, years ago I had a 5 pot Volvo S60 diesel...and it sounded gorgeous....as did my 5 pot Alfa 156 diesel ! 🤣 Your RS like you say is so rare....pretty much like my Type R. Funnily enough I was following a Mk3 RS on Tuesday in my Type R, and even though it was in nitrous blue....I thought my FK8 in Championship White looks way better than the RS....I think the Mk3 looks very anonymous like you said until you get up close....I even think they look quite boring these days! I love your Mk2....and being a car guy like yourself....it would turn my head every day of the week! Your right in what you say about the front wheel drive hot hatches....they are a dying breed now....hence why I bought the Type R....I wanted one of the last great hot hatches with a manual, before the powers that be kill em off and we're herded down the path of electric appliances!! Probably not explained it very well, but think you might hear what I prattling on about ? 🤔🤣 Awesome vid again and keep the real world motoring channel flying high for us ordinary folk !! ( Just a quick note....you can hear the 5 pot a lot better with the windows shut, but you've probably noticed that in your edit ) ! Best thing you did was 'de mod' it and go back to the OEM look! Looks way classier now....original is always the best bet ! I've watched that many of your vids....you feel more like a mate! 🤣🤣👍
Totally agree with you. I own an RSmk2 and I have friends owning mk1 and mk3, I had the chance to drive them all and I won't change my mk2 for no one of them with no regrets.
Mate, question! You said on your mk3 about the steering rack knocking over bumps, how much of a pain was that to get fixed as mine is knocking slightly over bumps! Thanks fella.
Love my mk2 also. Got a few videos uploaded too. I got the exhaust knock when I went sports to de cat. Fixed it on the car, took rubber off, heat bracket and bent about 1cm, rubber back on job done.
I nearly bought a mk2 rs just one month ago and pulled out last minute because the price went up to what was agreed, however I already had a mk3 focus st3 so I decided I was gonna make it look so good and make it go so much faster and now I'm so happy it's mine, I love it...... I love fast Fords .... love all you ford lovers
There just something about a clean Mk2, was luckily enough to have one in my work and was lucky enough to paint the whole front end on it, there's just something about it even just standing next to one 👌
I have a scorpion exhaust on my RS and that was having same issue with it knocking. Mine was hitting rear subframe and it was the left hand exhaust hanger hitting it. I had the hanger adjusted? Might be worth a look and it only did it when I was turning left.
I just bought a mk3 last week in nitros blue. I’d been looking for ages for a good second hand example, having decided not to buy brand when they first came out as working away from home I wouldn’t have got the use out of it. I only work in the UK now so I took the plunge and I’m not disappointed. Ideally I’d like a mk2 as well, don’t tell the wife I’m even thinking this lol but that’s only a pipe dream. Yours looks fantastic but bog standard is my way to go though I couldn’t fault anyone if they want to go down the tuning route. Nice clip and keep up the good work.
Great clip, thanks for uploading! I think I will forget about the mk3. FW or PB, I like both so will buy on condition. Market is all over the place. I think good cars are worth the top end prices, but that doesn't mean, high mile high owner cars are worth a couple k less. Also expected a dip in this climate but prices might even be going up, cheers
like all the RS cars...they all have differant good points...and bad....awesome camera angle in car footage..... great video..Between this and the Fiesta ST 180 ..both great drivers cars
I think the Mk3 is a better all rounder and better as a daily. If you want a weekend toy, something that gives you a sense of occasion then I definitely think you can't beat the MK2.
Excellent video mate really enjoyed it i feel the same driving mine but very difficult to find decent roads in London 🤦🏻♂️ 😂 love all the focus RS’s models wish i could have one of each but i would always have a fav and that would be the mk2 😁 👍🏼👍🏼
Car Focused hopefully mate soon ill be out of London 🤞🏼 yeah the cossie would be a blast on those lovely backroads you have there 👌🏼 the cars keep me sane ha ha and 100% mate we will have to arrange a meet up
What a car... Had to come back to this video mate. I guess a white MK2.5 ST would be the next best thing? 😅 Really need to get one again ❤️ Love this car, enjoy it mate
Loved my mk2 rs in ultimate green but really wanted to buy a mk3 rs now it running the m400r it keeps me smiling every time I drive it, I dont buy the same car twice but still think the mk2 rs is brilliant car cheers steve👍😀
I had a 67 Ford Cortina and a 68 Ford Cortina... Drove the heck out of both cars when I was 17. No air no power steering 4 speed Stick fun fun fun to drive.
Hi mate, I've always dreamt about owning a MK2 RS. I'm only 23 but currently in a rather comfortable position where I could look at buying one next year, thing is I'd ideally have to daily it but I only cover around 7000 miles a year. What do you think?
I was looking for one but it was hard to find a decent one for the money I had. I ended up buying a vxr with all the important things just been done and uprated it's running 300bhp and been properly mapped. Just needs front bumper repair or 2nd hand one and respray for the spoiler. Couple of stone chips sorting and she'll be mint.. fun car.. but still love the st and rs... one day..one day
I drove to Cornwall and back in an Astra VXR quite a few years ago now but really enjoyed it. It was Arden blue and had the optional 19 inch wheels. Looked great!
I was just going to say mine stands out then you said it 🤪 hahaha mk2 mk3 😍 still had no problems with mine touch wood.. I drive past a green mk2 in the morning on the way to work what a beast👍
Must say your right about the mk3 feeling slow out the box, just put DS ultima 3 on it and can’t believe how vicious it is. Same with the mk2 you have to put your mods on them to bring out the best they’ve got
Hit the nail on the head, the Mk2 has such character and makes you grin every time you drive it; that's all you need from a car, who cares that the interior is dated?! I love the fact that you can just get in it and go, no need to faff around with suspension settings, modes, blah blah blah - can't be doing with any of that! New cars are tame and, generally, pretty boring. The Mk2 FRS is anything but! I love mine :)
Enjoyed the video. However I will still be keeping my mk3 RS. I really enjoy driving my car. If money was no object I think I’d buy the mk2 as a project and like you said keep the mk3 as a daily.
I'm looking at Mk2 now aswell. Listening to you rattle through all the faults on your Mk3 it sounded like I'd handed you the script. I had all those issues on my Mk3. It actually needed its 3rd steering rack by the time I sold. Such a shame.....
I've had 2 MK2s in my time and Mk3 too, RAWness is the right word, you feel everything, your in touch with the road and quite rightly you have to work the car. Sometimes there are too many features and comforts that take away from the driving experience. MK2 over Mk3 all day long if you want proper raw driving experience. If you want creature comforts then MK3. Make we want a MK2 again and when I see an RS coming down the road the MK2 takes more head turns than a MK3. MK2 is a drivers car. And you can't beat the Volvo 2.5 the torque is immense and for me beats the MK3 hands down for driving experience. And I love the deep intake of breath after a boot, takes me back to 2010, you know you've had a drive after being out in a MK2.
i love both , RS is a RS what's not to love .............8 Dislikes really people , is that 8 dislikes for gary or the car.....anyhow good stuff........
That overtake!😍👌🏽The Mk2 Focus with a few modifications is a beautiful drive for the RS old school amongst us. Raw and personal. Not "programmed" like the MK3 or a wrestling match like the MK1. Looks Unique and beefy. Definitely agree. Cult car status.🙂 (Polybush and swaybars). Can't recommend enough to flatten the cornering along with any future suspension mods. Food for thought. 😉
mk2 in my opinion is by far the better car, to me its a car more for a occasion not to be a daily car, I used to have the st and boy do I miss that 5 pot sound track. i am now planning on buying the rs as they are only going to go up in price for here
