Mustang vs. Focus RS Drag Race Explained by a Man Named Ford

Of course, the Mustang EcoBoost, as the turbo model came to be known, doesn't have the same power output as the Focus RS. However, the two have become forever connected, much more so than any other Ford models.

Speaking of Ford, a couple of months ago, I googled two Fifth Gear presenters to see what had happened to them, and Tom Ford was one of them. He's since become a content editor for Top Gear, testing supercars around the world. But recently, he also stepped in front of the camera to take advantage of his presenting experience.

Every week or so, Top Gear now posts a Youtube video to keep the fans happy. And today, we got a drag race between the Ford Focus RS, the darling of the hyper hatch world, and the V8 Mustang.

In theory, a 345bhp car has no chance against one with 425bhp. But anybody who's seen these two in action knows the RS is in with a chance of winning.

From the line, the Focus has a huge traction advantage because of its AWD and launch control systems. But, it is undeniably heavy for a hatchback, and the Mustang has oodles of power. So eventually... it wins, sorry RS fans.

But is this relevant in the real world? We think it is; the fact that this is a quarter-mile race suggests there's room enough between the lights for the Mustang to take advantage of its power. But Top Gear's somewhat vague telemetry data indicates they are dead even to 100 miles per hour and less than a tenth of a second separates them at the end of the race.

Unlike a comparison between two hot hatchbacks, this can never influence anybody's buying decision. But let's not forget that these weren't always global cars. You couldn't buy a Mustang in RHD or a Focus RS in America.