Performance Review: Ford Focus 2.5 ST-2 - [2005]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ford Focus Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ford Focus 2.5 ST-2 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2005. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2006 Caparo T1 2.4 V8 and the 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16.This particular Ford Focus has a 2521cc Turbo Petrol powerplant with 5 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St5's includes the 2022 KTM X-Bow GT-XR 2.5 Turbo

The Focus shares its Petrol St5 engine configuration with the likes of the 2022 KTM X-Bow GT-XR 2.5 Turbo and the 2018 Audi TT RS 2.5 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Focus's Front Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1392 kgs (3068 lbs) this makes the Ford Focus 2.5 ST-2 in the same weight category as the 2022 Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica 5.2 V10 or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Focus shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 2521cc 20V St5 engine produces 222 bhp (165 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Turbo St5 throws out 236 lb-ft (319.9 Nm) @ 1600 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (236 lb-ft) or the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (236 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Ford Focus you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1970 Chevrolet Malibu 5.7 V8 Turbo Hydra-Matic (184.3 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Focus.

The Ford Focus has a Power to weight ratio of 159.4 bhp per ton and 169.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2005 Focus competing with the 1970 Chevrolet Malibu 5.7 V8 Turbo Hydra-Matic (184.3 bhp per ton) or the 1982 Ferrari 308 GTS QV 3.0l V8 (184.2 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Ford Focus generating around 169.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2017 Seat Leon ST Cupra 300 (194.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 2017 Seat Leon ST Cupra 300 DSG (194.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.9 secs, this made the Ford Focus 2.5 ST-2 as fast as the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (6.70 secs) the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0 V6 Diesel (6.70 secs) the 2012 Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati 1.4 Turbo (6.70 secs) the or the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Blacktop 3.6L V6 (6.70 secs). This Ford Focus 2.5 ST-2 is also faster than the 2017 Dodge Charger SXT AWD 3.7 V6 (6.80 secs) the 2015 Renault Megane Energy TCe 205 GT 1.6 Turbo (6.80 secs) the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Countrman (6.80 secs) the and the 2010 Alfa-Romeo Brera JTS 3.2 V6 24v (6.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Focus and the 1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

When talking about the performance of the Ford Focus on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.8 secs @ 92.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (14.74 secs), the 2006 Porsche Cayman 2.7 (14.74 secs), and the 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 (14.74 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2005 version of the Ford Focus 2.5 ST-2 has a maximum speed of 150mph.

Top Speed of the 2005 Focus equals the 2013 Porsche Panamera 3.6 V6 (161 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2005 Ford Focus 2.5 ST-2 then how about the 2013 Porsche Panamera 3.6 V6 (161 mph), the 2013 Porsche Panamera Diesel 3.0 V6 Turbo (161 mph), or the 2011 Radical SR3 SL 2.0 Turbo (161 mph).

Related Links:

2005 Focus Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison