I'm in two minds wether to sell my fiesta rs turbo to fund a MK1 focus rs. Always wanted an rst since I was an apprentice but could never afford one on mechanics wages, managed to save enough and buy a decent one though. But then since the focus RS was launched (went to an open day at ford and fell in love) I've wanted one of them too... Looking
through the forum and a few you tube videos it seems that the focus rusts just as bad as any old ford so I'm asking is it worth it or do I chuck a few £k's at the fiesta.

this is how mine sits at the minute.

 

Your Fiesta looks to be in very good condition and they are beginning to go up in value but if you really fancy a Focus RS now it is the old story of looking around to find a rust free one in good nick. There will be one out there but be prepared for bit of a hunt to find the right one.

 

Mk1 focus rs with decat and bluefin has been one of the most fun cars I’ve owned.
Not fast enough to get you in any real trouble but being fwd and not the best chassis it feels fast and fun on the road.

 

I have heard the mk1 Focus rs being likened to a “glorified escort RS Turbo” in the way it drives and handles and I’ve adopted that description when anybody asks me about my Focus rs which is a MK2, I say it’s a glorified rs Turbo lol

not that I have driven any of the RST variants as they were rs cars that eluded me back in the late 80’s early 90’s. I almost got my hands on a series one rst around 1992 but I wasn’t sure if I was going to get the finance on it and I was worried about leaving a £500 deposit on the car in case I didn’t which would have meant losing that deposit, ironically I would have got the finance but the car sold within a few days and I missed out, iirc it was up for 4.5k.

I do love a rst whatever the variant and your one looks lovely in the picture, the question you must ask yourself is how badly do you want the mk1 FRS, the problem with them now is nice low mileage ones are fetching good money 10k and beyond and like any of the rs cars we all love bits for them, wings quarters etc even badges are no longer available an eBay seller had a couple of genuine rear quarters a while ago at a £1000 or £1500 each, if I had a mk1 FRS I would have wanted to buy and store them just in case lol

if it was me I’d keep the Fezza but I’m a bit bias lol try and drive the FRS and see what you think, there was one for sale at a car dealership over near the army barracks in aldershot a couple of months ago as I drove past it whilst working, don’t know if it would still be there, good luck with whatever you decide to do

 

I'd say get someone to take you out in one first to see what you think.

 

while the mk1's are nice looking I think the fiesta rs turbo will hold value better.

 

Im not too worried about the value side of things just wondering people's general views wether the MK1 rs is as bad as in regards to corrosion as I don't want to be chasing rust.
I know it's a great chassis as people rave about them and I have been in a couple a few years back. Just in that undecided head mode 😂

 

Rust like fuck mate so do your home work newest ones are 17 years old.

Cracking cars but as said above very much a moderner Rs turbo which I love as I have 2 prefer em to cossies which I know sounds crazy. Prices have been strong in recent years but who knows what will happen with all this corona shananigans

 

All mk1s rust, mine started in the early 2000s but nowhere near as bad has the mk3 Fez.
Focus RS mk1s is so much more capable a car than a fiesta RS Turbo but if your like me and look at these cars in terms of nostalgia then i would be keeping the RS Turbo.

 

U can find a mk1 with no Rust quite easy ,but having driven both fiesta an mk1 rs I'd rather the fiesta iv restored both over the last few years

 

Me and the wife had a 53 1.6 petrol focus and the rear inner arches were they met the boot floor was rotten.

 

I'd keep the Fiesta

 

My mate owned a mk1 rs must be about 4-5 years ago now and just wasn’t that impressive for the money tbh, it did breakdown about 3 times with various burst pipes and hoses. Was modded to around 300hp and he owned it for 6 months. Just never lived upto the hype I don’t think and considering now they are in the price range of a good subaru or Evo it makes it harder to justify imo.

The ford scene loves them though.

 

Had mine over 11years mine is about 300bhp and always puts a smile on my face I had a mk3 focus rs which was a great car but that has gone Before the mk1 the MK1 is a drivers car And is raw the only cars I would change it for would be a escort cossie or a 3dr

 

I always wanted one, basically from when they came out.

Was in a position last year to buy one and opted for a slightly modded one, mine runs about 300bhp with updated suspension and brakes.

I absolutely love it and like said above, it feels like a much more modern and well built RS turbo. Great handling, noise and drive and still has the feeling of a rare RS for me.

I've also got a 4x4 Saff and I must admit I find the Focus more fun to drive. It feels a lot quicker and I'm not as scared to break it lol

 

MK1 focus rs is a proper drivers car and with some basic mods is a really fun car. The fiesta rs is prettier to look at

how much would you want for the fiesta?

 

Think I've decided to keep the fiesta now mate. Would be open to sensible offers around £7k otherwise its going to get a mini restoration.
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