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On the road, it translates to a fun, exhilarating experience. As the Focus SVT changes engine note (it has variable-valve timing) on the way to its 7,000 rpm, the Mustang Cobra delights with the muted whoosh of the supercharger and the blaringly loud exhaust note. Both have precise gearboxes, although the Getrag unit has a lighter clutch and shorter throws. On the road in Detroit, either one is a recipe for arrest. The point-and-squirt attitude of the Focus is sublime in taking all sorts of corners. The back simply follows the front, like it was on rails. The Mustang Cobra though, constantly reminds the driver that it has 53.91 kg-m of torque digging at the back. On stoplights, it’s easy to induce rear-sliding wheel spin. That said, the extra passenger grab handle is quite useful, just ask Dave Gutman. Both cars have are Popsicle stiff rides, but this not to be confused with their composure on road imperfections. Being carefully tuned, these two don’t feel unsettling or nervous on any sort of road with the exception of unpaved ones. They are capable of eating up highways or mountain passes. For the cross-country drive though, the Focus SVT would fare better. Escaping the cops with the SVT’s extra heavy-weight performance punch is easy. However, this exercise may be a bit vain as both cars can sum up your intentions even when standing still. The Focus gets unique front and rear facias as well distinctive round fog lamps, side skirt and boot-lid spoiler. Inside, it has Recaro seats, metal-plated pedals, and titanium-faced electro-luminescent gauges. |
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