Hi guys, I have owned 2 ep3 before loved them , then I had an astra vxr loved that now looking at a focus st or a fn2 type r obviously I need to test drive them I always the the red h love then fn2 so going to rest drive both cars,
Only thing puts me off slightly is low torque figures and it's hard to get any extra power from the fn2 .so we'll have to see you can get a lot for your money with the fn2 7-8k can get you all sorts.
Like the 2.5 turbo engine in the st though I prefer the look of the civic so hoping a test drive will decide for me
I've had ep3, ST and fn2. The 2.5 litre ST is a comfy, heavy feeling car with good 3rd gear pull but very thirsty, I averaged 22 mpg. Driveshaft issues not uncommon. Not sure why you think it's hard to get any more power out of the fn2, perhaps you need to read some of the mod threads on here.
Kool ino I'll love the fn2 but just think it mite feel to slow coming from the vxr, and as far as I'm aware interns of the type r NA engine your looking at a lot of expensive mods for 20 hp. 220 bhp with full exhaust air intake and map c and low torque figures. I don't no a great deal I didn't mod my ep3 I have no idea what a map can do to the fn2? Have only ready about launch control and anti theft no figures etc
Torque really isn't an issue with these engines, as long as they are driven correctly. I've taken mine from stock and modded it, the difference is very apparent. Some have gone a lot further still keeping it n/a. Then you get the boosted ones.
Exhaust manifold, intake, 2.5" exhaust and a tune are needed to get an FN2 to where it should've been out the factory circa 225-230bhp with a boat load of needed mid-range torque.
After that are deminishing returns and not worth doing unless you like spending money lol
I had a cat welded in at the time so figures were lower.
It's actually very easy to extract more power out of K20, turbo it, supercharge it, K24/K20 or build racing K20, you name it! - it's all been done and proper knowledge is there - it's just that the process is very pricey, compared to some of it's force inducted competition.
I have not owned Focus ST, I have only driven one once, so won't tell you much about it - loved the 5cyl engine noise, and low down torque is great for commuting, handling was good, but front heavy, as I remember ride is much better than Fn2, stock to stock; I have heard that these motors are also very robust and can take much more than OEM power without a sweat. But, then the same can be said about K20
What I love about FN2 and what actually made me buy it is it's core features - it's looks, both outside and inside and it's drivetrain. Ride is crashy? Play with endless suspension options. Not enough torque? Slap a charger on it or K24 it. ****** stock brakes? BBK will sort it out.
My point is - you can improve FN2 on it's weak points, but you can not do much about Ford's dull interior and lazy-natured engine.
There are many turbo-engined hot hatches out there(Ford/Volvo 2.5 R5 is very nice in it's category!) but none of them offer that true engaging driving pleasure of high revving N/A matched to a wonderful manual gearbox. That on-edge character makes Honda feel special.
My advice is - buy FN2 that's already modified and you won't regret your decision
Thanks guys and yes MD that's my thinking I do love the Honda for what it is loved the gear box in the ep3 I'm only guessing it's very similar or hope so. I will test drive both but I just love those type r suade seats and the revvyy engine can get so much type r with 7k
The FN2 will not only feel quicker but be quicker, both on road and track, especially in the bends. Strip some weight out and spend a bit on suspension and brakes and even more so.
Torque is irrelevant once you learn how to use the gearbox properly.
Test drive both, see what you think. The ST will suit some more than he FN
I was in the same boat just a few months ago and picked up a low mileage fn2. Awesome cars and unlike the ST, there are not many abouts on the road so it's always catching someone's eye.
Also as stated above, you can mod it to make it faster but trust me, it's fast enough for the roads in the UK! And there are many upgrades you can do like the exhaust (i had a milltek non res fitted, sounds awesome ) the brakes (braided brake lines, ferodo ds2500 pads and brake fluid) and the suspension (eibach 15mm springs plus fast road setup). The latter 2 will be the next mods i undertake and thanks to Loxy for sharing his wealth of information.
I wouldn't worry about the torque as if you drive it how it is supposed to be, you won't even notice it. Its nice having that turbo charged engine but the vtec engine is bulletproof unlike the turbos.
A decent type r will prob set you back 7-8k and you prob get one at that price with some of the mods already done. The st, yes will be a newer car but you are looking at 12-14k for one. Take them both for a test drive and make your mind up. Tbh I mightbe looking at an st after my fn2 in a few years time due to the kids getting bigger and wanting a 5 door sports car.
When I think about it I am more excited about driving the civic , really love the interior though I've never been in one. The st is a bit dull but who knows until I get in one shouldn't be very soon now. Fun times most civics I see online have not been modified though , I'll keep my eye out.
The type r cabin is proper space age! I love it! And so will you! And i forgot to mention you get more boot space and leg room in the back plus the rear seats fold up and there is additional storage space underneath.
Do the rear seats fold flat? Would be good for the dog or? I've been looking at silver seen a nice one on auto trader with the forum sticker on it super nice
I used to spend hours cleaning my cars, back to detailing when I get one I'm getting the Honda bug now I'm chatting/browsing in here, I was on here years back with my last 2 ep3's.
Ah that's super nice is probably buy a Milano one if it was modded like that, not quite ready to buy yet though haven't been checking the bay though I'm not a great fan I like to go check them out etc
Also worth noting is the core civic following compared to the ST, and forums like CivInfo with lots of active members and lots of 'how to' threads. A buddy of mine has an ST2, apart from the fact it drinks fuel like George Best and he's constantly putting knew shoes on it, he does love it. I think he's had a few problems with the turbo though, also injectors. In fact thinking about it I expect if I ask him, he would agree he's probably spent more keeping it on the road than what he paid for it to begin with.
But his main gripe is the lack of forum support compared to the Civic following. There are of corse forums for the ST but tend to be populated by youngsters with rich parents and no real interest in fixing things when they can simply drop it off at a garage and pop the bill on daddies dredit card, where as here we have quite a mature perspective on things, and people who like to fix things them selves then share their findings.
If u did go for the FN2 (you would have made the right decision ) plus I doubt there would be any issues u come across that someone on here hasn't had and resolved before, with a nice guide with pics as to how u fix it yourself.
Ah rite thanks James yeah I am in the st forums I been on there for a very long time. And vxr online I was also a member here years ago when I got my first ep3 and my 2nd ep3 was young then. Now I'm almost 30! I can't wait to test drive the fn2 just worries I may be underwhelmed with power coming from a vxr but on the other had I love the seats and the general interior of the fn2 and having had 2 ep3 I do love the revvy engines also so may be enough for me to go that route
Yeh and neither the VXR or the ST will sound as sweet as when the Vtec kicks in. Have a listen to the vids on YouTube of the FN2 HSK RSK, that induction kit sounds sweet as a nut.
Sometimes I regret going for the FK3 over the FN2, but I am a staunch diesal fan due to miles I do for work so the better the mpg, the more cash I make just in driving around. Lol however my derv should do mid 50s, but with the remap I've had and my preferred driving style, I struggle to keep it in the 40s.
Got to love those horses for courses lol. TBH they could make a CTR engine sound like a Daewoo Matiz and I would probably still love it. Not that I'm at all biased.
Have u made any progress on your decision yet bud??
No decision yet awaiting to test drive both may even test drive a new shape vxr gtc but I do love the civic and what it has to offer excited to try both
I owned one of last of the first gen 5 cylinder ST3's. Remains one of my favourite cars ever.
Mine was running about 310ish bhp with a mountain of torque from around 1200 revs.
Car was extremely comfortable and civilised on Eibach springs.
Fuel economy was ok if driven normally, I could average low-mid 30s mpg on my commute.
I did visit a Honda dealer one day with a view to trading to an FN2 but after the test drive I decided to stick with the Ford as the low down grunt suited my driving style better than the K20 screamer.
It's all in your personal preference though so take them both a good run if you can then probably seek some unbiased opinions if you're still unsure.
I would be pretty happy with any of the choices ?
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