Which is the better all-wheel drive car for YOU? 

For a 'Driver's Car'- RS all day. The handling is raw. Such an incredible connection to the feel of the road. Others may call this "rough" or "it has a horrible suspension and isn't comfortable". If that's your lean towards a car, go buy a BMW or an Infinity or a Lexus. The focus RS is not my daily driver. My daily driver is an even rougher, 2 door 2017 Wrangler (Manual), on mud tires. I like rock crawling as much as I like driving fast. Point I tell people, go test drive a BMW, test drive a used Porsche 718 Cayman, then go test drive the lancer evo, STI, finally go drive the Focus RS. When I test drove these cars, nothing Came close to the Cayman S and the RS. Just awesome little rockets. I opted for the RS because I'm interested in modifying the RS, giving it that personal touch, just as I did with my modifying my wrangler (tires, fenders, rack, bumpers, shocks etc).

The feel and the sound is everything about the sti, I love mine!

Just bought a focus rs a few days ago after owning a focus st for 4+ years. Absolutely love the car

Ayyeee that EL STI looks familiar 🫣

I’ve always liked the focus rs/st, but the only reason I’ve strayed away from buying one is the shape of the dash. It’s way too bulgy. The simplicity of the sti interior takes the cake for me.

First I want to say congrats on the new car! I also want to say how excited I am to watch you work on and build your RS considering there aren’t many videos on yt on modding the RS. I bought a stealth grey 2017 RS 2 years ago and just been saving to mod. Can’t wait to see what’s to come!

This couldn’t have been a more perfectly timed video for me personally. I found your channel about a month ago since I was looking to get an rs in the near future. Well the near future is here and I’m really debating between an sti or rs. Thank you so much for this video! Your content is amazing!

I have a Sti type Ra and a nitrous blue 2018 RS. Both have catbacks and the rs has cobb stage 2 tuning and rear Eibach sway bar. What I can say is the sti clutch and shifter feel is way better. Sound is debatable, but I say the subi sounds much more special. Due to the sti being stock, the speed difference is very noticeable, but I don’t feel the RA is in dire need to be faster, as I appreciate the character and engagement that is already has. A pro for the RS would be it feels more like playing a video game; and surprises you on what it can do. Overall the sti just feels more special/engaging and would be a longer term ownership for me. Hope that was valuable to someone else🤷🏻‍♂️

The coil overs 100% makes a massive difference. Very stiff from factory on my 16 RS as well, I went with Fortune Auto 500s. Wait until you mod the RS and get it tuned. Will be your favorite all around for sure! The RS is my daily and I travel a lot for work and it just does everything so so well.

Been watching your video for a bit now cuz I’m sucker for hot hatches. Then I bought my dream NB RS2 last year Then you bought yours. Now you making all those RS videos. How lucky am I ? I appreciate your support to the community man!!

Great job Cam! I’m an older dude learning more about this generation of enthusiast cars. I learn a lot from your videos!

been with you since the speed3 days…had a speed3, then bought an st when you did and I also have an rs now. Keep it up man!! I love how you explain everything, no one does it like you

Not long ago I was in the market for both. I used to drive a Focus ST so I had an idea of what the RS would be like. I've also had a wrx so I had an idea what the sti would be like. For me, it literally boiled down to what was available and affordable. Every Focus RS I came across was in the mid-30s. This past October I found a 2017 STI around Upper 20s so settled on that. Been a great car, but I think if I had the opportunity for either or, for same price, probably would have gone RS. But that subie rumble! 🤤

Good video cam. Love the detail, always know how to explain without being too much 👍🏼

As an RS owner and my manager having a 19 sti, everything Cam has said is 100% accurate, I love both. love the rumble, style, aftermarket support for the sti, scared of it breaking down sooner specially if not modified correctly and hate the interior (feels cheap, light skinny doors and plastic). For the RS, love the pops and bangs, it's more rare and people that know the car will come up often, interior is awesome, seats are heavily bolstered, car grips amazingly, things that suck is the ride is uncomfortable on long trips, not much aftermarket support and honesty it's pretty quiet stock.

I have a Focus RS and have had it for 5 years. I said I was going to keep it stock when I got it. That didn’t last long. Although it doesn’t “need” to be modified, it is a whole different beast with basic modifications. I only have e30, exhaust and intake and it’s night and day. I can promise once you modify your RS your opinion will change, and I can’t wait to watch that video.

I just got a 2018 RS a couple months ago and can confirm the suspension is a lot better

Thanks for this man! I've been driving a 2016 Focus ST for 2 years and am hoping to upgrade to an RS in the near future. The detail you put in this helped me to visualize the difference. Subi's will always be special to me since I had an '05 WRX and had SO MUCH FUN in it, but we all know how that ended... *BRAAAAAAP....CLUNK...oh no...*

Great video. The STI was a car I considered when I bought my Focus RS new. But ultimately found the RS way more engaging to drive as a drivers car. One thing I will disagree with you on is the comparison when modified. I have taken my RS about as far as you can go with factory turbo and internals. Pretty much full bolt ons with 420HP and it is a totally different car to factory. If you like the rally sound of it, then with the right mods and tune you will love it!! And I can assure you that if I give my car a bit on a crowded street it definitely turns every head. 😉

Having driven an RS and an STI, hands down the RS, and I’m not just saying that because its the one I owned. Let’s not forget though the major head gasket issues the 2.3 has

Focus RS. No question, although the STI is pretty sick too. Perfect world would be both 😁

Hey bro, love the channel, you’re pretty much a reason I bought my focus ST, and Nissan 350 Z, and I am going to purchase either an RS or an STI in the future. My opinion on the channel what I would like to see. a lot of people like to get your opinion on cars, so I think it be pretty cool if you did some car reviews on modded cars as well. Kind of like, that dude in blue, but I would feel you would do a better job at presenting the vehicles. Also just general car, news and updates would be cool as well. And this might be a stretch, but I feel like you could be the new face of car culture. Your videos on car meets are pretty awesome.

Great video and easy for me to watch since I have loved both of these cars you presented. I have 2018 RS Nitrous Blue LE and the ride is a little better than my old 2017 RS. However I wouldn’t say better than my stock STI.

Love my RS and yes its my daily. I too love the STI but the rarity of the RS over the decades really feels special to own one. Just got my tax return and looking to drop the RS an inch or so, also have my Millitek Sport exhaust and it really enhances that cars engine pops.

Great video! Own currently own a RS and love it. Previous ST owner. I definitely love my RS but I have always wanted to drive a STi. I definitely agree I the sounds STi all day. You will have to check out my build sometime. Keep up the great work!! Always appreciate your tips and tricks. Cant wait till you start modifying your RS.

I know I'm a bit late but as an owner I 100% agree, when you get into an RS, you just know it's something special. 🤙🏎💨

I was driving and auto crossing 1960s and 70s modified Minis and a 1969 Lotus Europa "back in the day" so when I was looking for a brand new retirement fun car (yup, really old guy, nope not enough money to retire early) I sampled the Golf R, STI and 2018 Focus RS. Three great cars! Golf R; nice car, too "grown up" feeling for what I wanted, STI; fun car, great noises, tactile sensations not as engaging as the RS, no hatchback, Focus RS; really fun car, very engaging to drive, hatchback. I find the normal setting on the 2018 RS suspension pretty much perfectly up against the "comfortable enough" for a great handling car limit. Twelve hour drive not a problem.

Honestly I’ve had a subie and currently drive a focus rs. I’ll pick the focus rs anyday! Bought my 17 focus rs brand new off the lot. 6 years later and 99k miles with the rs no regrets. It’s still stock and I’m going to keep it that way. No issues at all. You just have to keep up your maintenance and it’ll treat you right.

Been the question in my head for the longest time with my next car. Also considering a m235i but I think a test drive before you buy your car is needed to see what you get yourself into

12:39 On the question of 2018 RS models not being as punishingly stiff, I can 'sort of' confirm -- by that I mean: I own a 2016 RS that recently needed front shock replacements at 60K miles (Los Angeles roads beat the crap outta my suspension), and I decided to get OEM shocks (for now) and... yeah, assuming those brand shocks are what's in 2018 models, the ride isn't as brutal as when I first got the car. Stiff, no doubt, but definitely not as punishing. So take that for what it's worth. Love the vids, just subbed!

I've been looking and researching both, I'm so drawn to the rs. I'm gonna go test drive both and I'm sure that will be the deciding moment. Although I'm super nervous, I'm so excited to get out of this rinky dink 2021 nissan sentra sr for something better and more enjoyable to drive!!

I have a 63k mile 2018 focus st2 with almost every option besides it being upgraded to an st3 and I'm in a weird situation. I got it almost a year ago (11 months ago) with 53,8xx miles and I'm about to graduate college (I drive 30 minutes there and back every day for school). I'm not sure if when I get my big boy job if I should dump money into upgrading my st or save and go to an RS. The more I planned my build, the more I thought of being in the price range of an RS. I would pretty much make my st run the same rotors and brakes as the RS, get a turbo to run 350-360 HP max before overdoing the stock fule pump(2,500 turbo not including install), And wheel/tires. What would you recommend?

Honestly enjoyed the video, even though an sti or rs are not on my radar for my next car whatsoever 😅

Both great cars for the money 👌

In the market for this right now... What worries me is that every RS I come across is already stage 2 and has 40k miles on it... Makes me question the reliability as I need it for a DD. On the other hand, I found a '21 STI bone stock with 20k mi for the exact same price. If I kept the STI stock, do you really think the Focus even when modded would be more reliable?

I have an ST right now and I’ve really been thinking about upgrading to an AWD vehicle… I love the ST but I just feel like it’s not enough! 😂

I still want both cars, I love my EVO X.. But being here in CT all wheel drive is crucial/

I own a 2017 RS and I couldnt agree more with everything you said, I personally think an RS is superior just because the point to get 450hp out of an Rs next to an STI is abouta few thousand dollars of a difference and then you factor in reliability and the RS takes the cake just my input tho, defnitely some STI /EJ guys who have some crazy 600hp builds but then the reliability and daily driver points go way down. I think its almost a matter of which one you like better just straight up theyre both awesome cars and can defnitely SCOOT

I want to see CAM get his hands on the GR Corolla. I hope he gets the opportunity soon!

We all like different things and cars….. it really just depends on which brand you like better…… the Subarus are also going to be much easier to find because there’s a lot more of them out there, so there’s that….

I’ve had both now and at similar built power levels (420-450) and the sti had issues where the rs has been solid.

I’ve driven both. And honestly the focus rs is forgettable. I occasionally forget that there’s an rs version of the focus after not being around them. But I’ll always remember the VA chassis.

What happen to the black speed build!!!

I have a 2018 Ford focus RS and I can confirm that the suspension is superior to the OEM sti suspension. I’ve never been on another rs other than mine but my 2018 feels good Not bad at all I daily drive it everyday up until now . Bought a work car a 02 Subaru sport wagon “ dad wagon” And it’s gonna sit as well as my sti until summer time I own 2015 sti so I am not sure if the suspension on the newer ones change but my focus all the way for everyday driving . That’s my input on that . Sti is superior on snow and bad weather than the focus rs The focus rs is not the best If you don’t have snow tires If you do I’ve heard it does amazing but I’m skeptical Mine has all season and it’s the worse when you are breaking The sti in the other hand Hands down the best on the snow. Technology wise the focus rs beats it But other than that They are both very fun cars Sti has better sound Focus sounds like a Honda civic with steroids Not my cup of tea but a lot of people like that I say both are good on their own way

New location unlocked!!!

I like the STI but I feel like everyone has it…the RS there rare to see in the street that’s why I’d go with the RS and most people don’t know there sporty model focus’s either

18' RS Limited Edition has a Quaife limited-slip differential for the front axle and adaptive dampers with stickier tires. Oh, the ride is still way to firm.

I just want an RS with STI exhaust notes lol I’m terrified to but an STI

Had an 18 STI limited top of the line model. I now have a 17 RS, RS is better hands down.

And then the Golf R enters the conversation... there's more than just 2 choices.

Bc racing coilovers definitely makes the rs ride sooo much better

2018 RS owner here. The suspension is certainly better than previous models, but I still get the "pogo effect" everyone talks about in sport dampers. I used FORScan to enable the custom drive mode to easily avoid it for now. Before you get the BCs, try a DSC Sport and Mountune Sport Springs. The package will cost a little more, (little under $1,600) but the general consensus in the community is it fixes to pogo effect completely while still retaining the digital dampers and gets the ride height "just right" for optimal tracking. If you don't like it, the resale value on both is generally very good and they sell fast. With the DSC you can eventually upgrade to TracTive coilovers (very pricy, FYI) and have what every owner describes as one of the most refined suspension systems around and completely transforms the car. You can program your suspension to respond exacly how you want it to, and still have the two normal/sport modes to play with.

I just prefer the RS because of how much more rare they are sad they only made for 3 years

YES 100% STI HATCH

Had both. I prefer my focus rs by a lot!

Ive stayed away from the RS due to the thin cylinder wall issue.

Shout-out Golf R and GR Corolla

Bro what coffee is that? 😂

I’ve watched numerous videos about which car to buy i recently totaled out my 08 Chevy cobalt ss turbo and that car had 86k miles and no problems what so ever. Now I have to choose between a Subaru with a dog shit motor and many other problems that are expensive for a blue collar worker or a ford with ass suspension but not enjoyable as much to drive. I don’t need to to modify a car that’s already costing me 25 28k already so all these videos are hard to go off. I live in Iowa and need something realistic that’s fun to drive that good maintenance will keep me from spending thousands to fix like these to cars apparently.

Am I the only one who saw it has 245 width tires on the stock wheels?

This should be compared the golf r honestly. The Sti is not it for the adult who wants a grown up daily. Just my opinion.

STI/WRX all day.

Golf R

I know it’s like comparing oranges to apples but the best hot hatch out there clearly is the GTI/R. 400whp reliably on the stock block with basic bolt ons and a tune, efficient high-torque engine, every bit of tech you need, exceptional interior, lightning fast DSG or 6MT, amazing build quality, great fuel economy, big aftermarket/parts support.

Mk7.5 golf R

I hope he can do a Camaro one day so he can do this with the Camaro and mustang

The answer is a golf r

As a 19 sti owner the type ra motor isn’t that strong and my motor is stock mine blew at 30k and yes I do maintain my motor

I disagree, the sti interior is way more aggressive and simple than the RS

RS is more reliable and take modifications a lot better! STI need to much money on mods to even make decent power and also supporting mods you have to buy just to keep the engine from blowing up

Don’t recommend bc on the focus platform. Their spring rates are all messed up and cause an almost 75/25 split where it’s supposed to be 60/40

There’s gotta be some other options. If you want to rally. Engine swap some older car.

RS all day every day ❤‍🔥

Bought a sti last October and I fully regret it, seats are awful, the sound of the interior from road noise is getting old, radio/speakers are the worst speakers in any car I’ve I had. No sunglasses holder is also dumb (random thought) seating position is bad for me at least, they do not go down low at all so I feel like I’m on top of the pedals, had a fst in college and I miss it so much. Currently looking for a RS now

Not sure how the focus rs is but my 6 month ownership of a 2017 sti made me never want to touch another one. Growing up, I’ve always looked at these cars as cool sporty sedans that I’d one day purchase as like a dream car. After actually owning one though, the car felt extremely slow. Not only slow but low in torque. It felt more sluggish than my moms newer accord. The handling was just okay. The only real remarkable thing was the interior. Everything else is just below average. Just an overpriced Impreza in my opinion

For that price…. Catch me in a evo

Car

There’s just no getting past that ugly dash on the RS. I mean, behind the wheel its all you see…

lamborghini huracan is the best awd

Bolt ons on the rs is going to blew the engine quicker 😅🤣

I hate the Focus name, at least the STi is the step above sporty WRX. I probably said it before, just like the Neon... I have an SRT4, oh yeah I know thats the one that looks like a Neon, right? I have the RS/ST, oh yeah, yeah I have seen those, the Focus thats looks different, doesnt it have a body kit, that Focus? just why? just like the and why again, I hae a Toyota GR... a Corolla! Just name it something else. And that is where to me Subaru wins, I have a WRX STi... yeah, cool car, w the nice rumble

I’d pick a MK7 Golf R over both IMO.

I’m sorry, but I don’t even need to watch this to know that the RS is just significantly more reliable. Therefore it is the better car.

well the best sport compact with AWD is clearly...... the golf R :P

M340i xdrive>

subaru

Sti is better, it has been the champion of rallies for decades. You just got bored of the sti and wanted to try something different

Sti Trans will handle 1000hp end of this conversation 😴🤷🏻‍♂️

Between those two, a Golf R 😂

Neither. B58 340i FTW

Who wants to BET. Focus rs isnt even in production in 5 yrs. 🤷🏼‍♂️🤣🤣

Evo>

Neither, evo 😁

Umm very simple answer Golf R. Lol.

16:26. Congrats. You Earned my 👎. Smh. Lol

Was that my guy scooby freak? 🥹 15:20