I used to work at VW, and i didn't find the r32 that quick at all... I would put money on a standard focus st beating one tbh.
Its certainly not in the same league as a 200bhp 900odd kilo mk4 escort/mk2 orion... iirc they are over 1500kgs, so they weigh some 50% more accompanied with the 4wd losses theres nothing more to say really!
Im a real lover of the Mk1 and Mk2 Focus RS, but ive never driven a mk2 so i can't comment on how quick one would be in comparison to a 240bhp escort rs. The ones ive been in and seen driving seem to move well and they sound lovely even as standard!