Ford Focus ST vs. MazdaSpeed3 Review - Everyday Driver 

I love my Speed 3, it's an absolute bonkers car, everyday I drive it, i genuinely feel it wants to kill me and that's what I love the most about it.

Just sold my Speed3. 168,400 miles no issues, just performed regular maintenance. What a well built car. Bought it new back in 2013.

For those confused like me: grey ceiling is Mazda, black roof is focus :)

Had my 07 ms3 since they came out. Yes, upgraded tires made the car feel like a completely different animal. It also responds to mods very well. Easy to get 375+ hp on stock turbo without a built block. Still puts a smile on my face every time I gun it. Best car I've ever driven

I love the front end of the MS3 :( jerks lol.

grinning idiot vs. depressed catfish. LOL

No matter what review you watch of the ST it's constantly getting great reviews. I went to test drive one about a week ago and I see exactly why it's doing so well even with a short drive. Might even get one when the new 2015 models come out!

Just bought a mazdaspeed3 and put a cold air intake and changed the exhaust an I added a blow off valve for the turbo. I absolutely love my car!

I drove both cars and i prefer the ST. The handling is feels more tight and accurate compared the MS3. And the MS3 feels bigger imo but it's definitely still fun to drive. Overall, i still prefer the ST cause it feels more balanced overall and you feel more in control of the car compared to the MS3. And i like the interior better. But in the end, i still wouldn't mind owning either one of these cars. Thumbs up to both Mazda & Ford for these awesome hatches!!!

Internet care reviews. Chris Harris #1. You guys a very close second. Different shows. Different budget. Both fantastic, though. Very impressed. Keep up the good work!

Thank you for saying this - we are very flattered to know you'll watch even if the car isn't to your taste. We will keep pushing to make great stuff, and raise the bar whenever we can. Glad to have you as a viewer - and please pass us along to others!

I just bought an ST. I've driven the MS3 and owned an Evo. The ST is more balanced between daily driver and gut wrenching fun. It's really about what you like at the time.

Depressed Catfish. I'll never be able to see one these cars again without that phrase flashing through my mind.

Bought a manual mazdaspeed 3 a few months ago. Most fun car I’ve ever driven. Gives you the full experience. Turbo-lag, turbo spool, handling, torque steer, and the full 265hp in 3rd and 4th feel amazing

I'm with Todd.....I drove a friend's MS3 and I laughed like a school-girl!!

Your guy's formula for review is purely the best on the market. Love the duality of the quality POV offered from your experience. Thank you for doing what you guys do because it really does help to make import decisions for finding the right vehicle!

I bought a speed 3 because of this video. You guys are awesome and honestly my favorite reviewers. Thank you for all the work you put into these videos!

For anyone still going through the comments, I’ve had the chance to own both a 11 ms3 and a 17 ST. The speed3 gave me more smiles out on the road, and since it has a mechanical LSD instead of an electric one, it was much more confidence inspiring in the rain and snow. It also helped the car put down power from a dig, so I could beat a good amount of cars from a dig (wrx, s197 gt) with driver mod and a good launch. The focus however rotates on command and on the autox track will outcorner a ms3 stock for stock. IMO, I like the ms3 front better than the focus, as the hood vent and smile are endearing to me, but the focus is more attractive from more angles and (st2 trim and above) has a much better interior than the Mazda. The recaro’s in the focus are hands down superior to the ms3, which has decent seats but nothing to write home about. I think the focus is a better daily if you live in a drier environment and don’t plan on modding the car, but I would take the speed 3 if I had to choose because the aftermarket is better and it has a true lsd, and I just enjoyed myself and the car more. One last thing to note is that with TCS off, the st I found had more torque steer, for anyone concerned

Mazda: :D Ford: D:

First time watching one of these guys videos, and man they do a good job explaining everything. Nice review.

You gentlemen may just be the best car reviewers. I honestly watch your videos even when i don't like the cars you are reviewing because i know i'm going to learn something. Thank you for your dedication to making quality videos.

First, great video. Really entertaining and more insightful than most car reviews. Second, really appreciate that you both go on a limb and really express your opinions. Seems like a lot of reviews end with ambiguity and the viewer doesn't really know where they stand. +1 for EverdayDriver

I'm sick at home today and watched like 30 of these EverydayDriver's reviews. Great job gents. Very informative and enjoyable. I did get stuck with the same god damn Shell commercial at the front of every video so needless to say I won't be gassing up at a Shell station for a year or two.

Fav review from you guys so far. More respect to Paul that he was able to admit he was wrong with giving such a over-the-top previous review. I will definitely take future reviews from you guys more seriously.

Another great work! You are arguably the best - well-spoken and articulate.

A big thank you! That's what we're going for - unbiased, thoughtful, honest - we're thrilled to have you say that. Please share our show with others, and thanks for watching and commenting!

Always excited to see a new upload from you all.

You guys Just helped me make my decision from Focust St/Speed3, I went with speed3 to have more fun, Thanks guys! Best car review channel on YT.

Another great comparo guys. I'm really enjoy how you guys describe each car, as I feel like I'm riding along shotgun and experiencing each car, right along side with you. Oddly, I usually seem to be looking for the stats of the vehicle that's being tested however, that's not what you guys are all about.....I tend to find myself enjoying your show despite not having the stats because with you guys, it's more about how the car feels and I'm really enjoying that. Thanks for another great video!

great video, you guys definitely make some of my favorite reviews!

I absolutely find myself becoming addicted to the ya'lls video, once again great job.Most people will agree with me, when it comes to automotive review videos, ya'll win hands down. Well until next time, have a great day look forward to upcoming videos.

Guys your work is really amazing..I have watched almost all your reviews, your work reflects passion....Please do something on the NSX, I so want that from you guys! :)

Love this review. Seems unbiased, thoughtful and honest. Well done guys!

Excellent review guys! I bought a speed3 for very similar reasons you described.

Wow, you guys do really high quality, professional grade reviews, everything from the commentary to the camera work. Nice job. Both cars are great hot hatches depending on what you are looking for, except I agree with you guys on the front ends. I don't understand why so many car makers and making these ridiculous oversized grills nowadays.

I have a Mazda Speed 3 Turbo and love it. It is so fun to drive. I have looked at other cars and there is no comparison. Torque Steer that why it's fun. If you get a chance to take a clover leaf on ramp with no one in front of you can feel the pull and when the turbo engages the swoosh that come with that is music to my ears. In 3rd gear this car is begging for you to floor it. You hit fourth, fifth and then six gear and you better watch your speedometer because you'll be going over 80 and 90 mph in a flash. This car is a hooligan and a hoot to drive!

I find myself looking at my RU-vid subscriptions everyday hoping you guys would post a new video. You guys are entertaining to watch and it feels honest. I have to admit, one of the biggest reasons I bought my 370Z in 2009 was because of your review. I watched it a million times! Keep up the good work! BTW, I've been eyeing the new Porsche Boxster, and I think you guys could convince me sign my life away for a Porsche =).

Terrific review, I really love the sound of what the speed is like, its agresive, it wants to throw you across the road, it doesn't care how linearly it makes power, or how much it spins it wheels, its juvenile and that's why I LOVE them

I really like this channel. Keep up the great work!

Thanks for such a great review...I was waiting for one of these two cars.

By far, the most honest review of these 2 cars to date.I own a 2012 MS3 and did test drive a Focus ST before buying the MS3. I guess I like to be entertained when I drive, because I found the ST to be too quiet and claustrophobic. The ST is a great car,but I enjoy a car that is engaging and keeps you involved in the driving experience.

Thanks Richard, we're thrilled what we do is resonating with you. Definitely share us with others and stick around, we've got lots more on the way!

Thank you very much for saying this! We work very hard at what we do and are thrilled when it works for the audience as we hope. We want everyone to find and own a car they will love driving, so knowing our work helps with purchase decisions and discussions is awesome. Thanks for watching, commenting, and being a fan of our show. Please share!

I own a 2013 ST and what they described about the ST is absolutely spot on. Speed3 is more characterful, while the ST is more refined. For me the ST still feels like a FWD because of the torque steer, particularly 1st and 2nd gear, but its not that bad and you can tell the computer sorting things out. Excellent video guys, subbed!

I feel as though the japanese market is falling behind in styling and interior design. the recaro seats in the ST look and feel comfortable and would hold you in place. Mazda looks too friendly.

This was a fantastic review. I am so glad you guys have kept tge quality of the videos so high; it makes it a joy to see your opinions grow and mature over time. I might suggest you take care when using the term "racing car for the road." I certainly know what you meant in this context, but it is a tad cliche. See Chris Harris' 1.0l formula ford video for a better explanation than I might provide.

I own a mazda 3 mps or speed 3 as it's known in the US. I'm fed up of reviewers complaining of torque steer. It grips and go's. End of! Just hold the wheel and floor it. It's just a fast fwd car with a good old fashioned limited slip differential with lots of grip and power. Only pussies that can't drive complain and get scared of a little torque steer. It's a great, fast car with a personality.

Another awesome review! I always get excited when I see the icon on my left toolbar tells me you guys put a video up! =D

Just bought my new 2013 Mazdaspeed3 a week ago and it's a great car. I like it's more raw personality and the power delivery. Puts a smile on my face each time I drive it. Great review BTW.

Hey paul and todd big fan here of your show here and great job on the review on both . Paul i was picked up the speed 3 from you while back. I like the speed3 .one thing i dislike its the face . I want to drive the ford. Any keep up the awsome job guys .

A huge Thank You for saying this. You've hit on exactly why we do the show and what we strive for in all of our work. We know that stats are available lots of places and many larger outlets will review cars and display stats long before we get behind the wheel. We want our reviews to take all of you driving with us. We're thrilled to hear it's working for you! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

great review.. keep up the good work guys

17 Focus ST owner here. Always loved Mazda but drove this ST n fell in love. I smoked quite a few MS3 (not by very much but win is a win) with my Focus stock. Now I have stage 1 tune n it really opened up and with rear engine mount it's super smooth and puts power down waaayyyyy better. I'm super confident against any speed 3 not too over worked. In love with how I can bring the back end of my ST out at will without braking it's incredible. For the price it can't be beaten.

Excellent review gentlemen! I love the subjective differences in opinion and the ability to agree on certain pros & cons with both cars. The icing on the cake is that the only clear "winner" is not the car but the driver choosing his or her car that reflects their distinct personality (Balanced vs Hoonigan). I love what EverydayDriver brings to the car review community. =D

Both are awesome.

my speed3 is my baby, and as my first car at age 17, it has exceeded all of my dreams and expectations from a year and a half ago when I first began lusting after one. the styling to me doesn't look crazy or out of place at all, and truly fits the way the car drives: wild, crazy, and always looking for a good time. the torque steer is strong but manageable in my opinion for anyone who has driven fwd hard before, but the power and road feedback through the steering compensate in joy for any stress from torque steer. the heavy and bitey clutch makes it feel like a sports car and gives it that "car that trains the driver" feeling, which i personally love. i hope never to sell this car and to keep it in my collection forever!

I have been stuck between the MS3 and the ST for quite some time now. I've been looking to upgrade from an 01 ZX3 and these both seem like great choices, but I can see now that the MS3 can really keep up and even surpass the ST in many ways even though it is the same model since 2010. It is also much cheaper to get the 2010 model if you're not going for the fancy navigation. This video was also very informative and gave me some new ideas about what to look for in different FWD cars rather than the obvious.

Another great series, guys. My favorite hot hatch is a "hatchback" not a "wagon hatch" like these ones, the Toyota Celica, particularly the All-trac variants.

Awesome review. Got myself a Mazdaspeed3 just a couple of weeks and I'm really loving the car. I didn't find torque steer in the Mazdaspeed3 a problem. Like you guys said in the review, once you get to know the car more, you can begin to compensate to the point where it just fades into the background of the driving experience.

Got the gen 2 ms3 in 2009 and still love it. One thing to consider is that most of ms3 drivers purchased this car not for being predictable, quickest around the track or sophisticated interior but for being so raw in power delivery and its hooligan nature. Like an old ms3 commercial states, it's mazdas "wild child".

Actually.. the guys disagreed on which car they preferred - they picked different cars for different reasons. That often happens on our show. We hope you'll watch the entire video, especially the wrap-up discussion as you might find you agree with the points made by one of the guys. Thanks for watching and commenting.

Well I test drove both and I got the ST back in June 2013. Haven't regretted a single day

Damn.... this was probably one of the best reviews!

You guys make the best reviews :D

You guys did it AGAIN! I laughed watching the 2 of you find yourselves. Of ALL the cars you've driven and you're still finding out who you are and what you like ;)

I have the 1st gen Speed3 and this review seems fair. It's very raw and sometimes brutal, like a front-wheel drive muscle car. But it's extremely fun to hoon around canyons and highways. Steering is precise with excellent road feel and feed back. You can hear every rock and pebble hitting the underside and the awesome crackle and pop from the exhaust. Not one issue after 5 years. Plus the $4500 off MSRP made it worth it (during 2008 recession fire sale).

Awesome work guys! Truly an excellent video. One note however, during the scene changes, sometimes I found myself not knowing which of the cars you were driving/talking about? Know what I mean? Like, the ST comes in the frame, then it switches to the Speed3, all the while Todd's talking about the ST but then Paul talks about the Speed 3 just as the ST comes back in the frame. Found myself losing focus sometimes trying to keep up. Minor quibble however, truly enjoyed and LOVED the video.

test drove the MazdaS3 last week, it put a HUGE smile on my face and consider the great price. it feels like a race car, who would ever know with that hatch styling.

Actively looking for an ms3. Sooo hard to find tho! Test drove a few and fell in love with it!

Mazda speed 3 my choice. I'm against cars that use computers to make you a better driver

Once again, a job well done! As for which car I'd pick...Focus ST. Why? Because the Ford's interior and all around package is what I look for in a daily driver, and that's what hot hatches are all about IMHO! Again, great vid ED!

I'm looking at these used and I'm extremely impressed at the video quality here. It feels like it was made this year

I am still amazed at how many of these comparison videos fail to notice, or at least mention that BOTH of these cars are on the same C1 global platform developed jointly by Ford, Mazda, and Volvo. There are tuning differences, for sure, but the front and rear subframes and suspensions share tons of parts.

I love your videos because I completely agree with you every single time.

If you get the chance to drive a MS3 again try a little trick I learned with mine (a 2012). Hold the traction control button down as you start the car and keep it held down for like 12 seconds. If it works the traction control light will stay on until you turn the car off again. What it does is turns off the traction control and electronically limited power at low speeds. It is always nice to have FULL throttle when launching.

The Speed 3 is a drivers car.

I agree, I much prefer stat-less reviews, I get an email reminder every time these guys post reviews, they are the best.

Great video keep that good work

this is probably one of the better comparison videos of the two cars i've seen :DD

great job guys. this is my favorite segment

I purchased Mazda 3 MPS (Australia) in late 2011,same car as current model and it still puts a smile on my face,it is a hell of a lot of fun to drive (legally of course) :) incredibly responsive engine and tight handling,very little under steer if set up properly.

For me, it's the Speed3. I mean, hell I bought one last year after doing a ton of research in the hot hatch segment (and that included your last video with it). What can I say, I agree with Todd. Also congrats on the first fair, balanced and unbiased review between the two cars. :)

And @Tyler.... You guys have had this discussion for days now and it seems un-ending. We wonder if you may be wasting your time at this point. We're thrilled you are so passionate about these cars and this comparison. We review cars in stock form, as it is the only "base line" available, and the way manufacturers choose to sell each model. We greatly appreciate you watching and commenting. We welcome any new comments. If you want to continue this current argument we'd ask that you go to PMs.

Nice review, well done.

I️ traded my MS3 8 years ago for a ST after watching this video. What a mistake. I️ got rid of the Ford three years later and looking back, the MS3 wins. Period.

I've been stationed in Korea for a year and I come home on the 20th of June, I plan on getting a Mazdaspeed3 when I get to the states (: I can't wait!!!

very nice review. Thanks

re-subbed, finally some steady content

The ST just does everything well, a little extra tuning and your smiles will just grow bigger

Speed3 is so much fun. Every time I drive it, I smile. When I drove the st, the whole time I was waiting for the power and never felt it. When I drive the Mazda I can't get enough of it.

I owned a 2010 ms3 modded to 300whp and now have a FST. I agree with this vid 100%. im a bit older now and do prefer the FST. The refinement and front end grip are superior to the ms3. Not to mention the aftermarket for the FST is already quite large compared to the ms3 which only had a handful of tuners to turn to in its first couple of years. Cant go wrong either way

I really enjoy all your reviews, can we have review for 2014 mustang v6 and v8

A lot of the suspension bits in the Speed 3 say FoMoCo on them as in Ford Motor Company. The 2.3 in the mazda can also trace it's roots back to Ford. These are facts.

Great review. Subbed!

Great review i just drove both of them yesterday and the speed was the one for me granted i am a little biased because i own an 07 ms3 but the personality of the speed three like you said won me over. One piece of advice i would suggest is to be a little more careful with your editing it was a little hard following along at some points trying to figure what car y'all are talking about but other then that definitely the best review for these two cars

Nice review guys, as always I like hearing your expert opinions on cars! Keep it up and ignore the nay sayers.

"The functions of the car take time to load, like software" LOL. That bar shows you how long the notification is showing for, not how long the transition takes. XD

I have two Gen 2 Mazdaspeed 3's and dearly love them both. I have driven a small handful of turbocharged FWD cars, but my experience with the MS3 is so different from any of the FWD turbos I have driven that comparisons quickly stop. One other note: driving the Speed 3 has made me a better driver, there are fewer times I lose concentration and my connection with the steering wheel is significantly better - because it has to be!

Wow this review is way better and MUCH more accurate than the the first MazdaSpeed 3 review. I consiued both of these cars including the Civic SI for about Two Yeats and got the same red speed 3 in this video I love driving it everyday and it looks aggressive and is a BEAST.

Couldn't be happier with my ST.