I know the dodge charger is not a popular choice on a hot hatch forum, but the thing moves with that ZF 8 speed and a 5.7 hemi. I never took it out to the track, but it certainly felt stronger then my 2000 firebird that ran
[email protected] @ mid michigan motorplex. I like hatches, but i hate front wheel drive. Its just getting so hard to find a rear wheel drive manual that can seat 5 people. I have 3 kids and i commute 40 miles a day to work and back. Cadillac ATS 2.0T was my first choice but good luck finding a manual, then i was about to settle for a 2015+ GTI and get a stage 1 apr tune... Then saw the rebate and jumped on the st.
I have been watching the focus / fiesta st with some interest. I loved my two mazdaspeed 6s. I can't really comment on which car would win around an autocross, but merging onto the highway the charger felt more planted and held the line a lot better. The focus st wanders a bit, i thought maybe it was the torque steer at first but it did it to me even when slowing with the clutch in (not sure if its the tires following the groves in the road or what) The charger was a much nicer car on the inside but it was not fun, it did not engage me -- might as well been on autopilot. The ZF transmission shifts fast and firm so i have no doubts its better then me and a stick. The aftermarket for the 2015+ chargers i think is pretty terrible. You have to pay $1000 to get a tune / unlocked ECU and the factory tune is already on the border of knock with 93 octane. Headers looked like a royal PITA and then if you want to do a CAM you will need $2000 plus find a competent tuner. In the GM world you can get a cam for $200 and have a variety of good local tuners.
Its really apples to oranges, i do not care what car is faster around the race track. I want a car fun to drive and reasonable to own and a healthy aftermarket. I believe the ST will serve me better in this regard.