Place your bets: when it comes to tire smoke who does it best, GT86 or Focus RS?
The all-wheel drive Ford Focus RS is infamous for its “Drift Mode” antics. By shifting more power to the outside rear wheel around a corner the Focus RS can be coaxed into “drifting.” On the flip side, by virtue of being a rear-wheel drive sports coupe with a limited-slip differential the Toyota GT86 has a built-in drift mode. Turn off the traction and safety aides and mash the throttle around the a corner for slidey-fun action. Which car does Drift Mode better?
Fortunately, Autocar, ever on the pulse, answers the hard-hitting questions we all need to know. Naturally, their GT86 test car is adorned with an Initial D-inspired livery. This, of course, helps with the drifting antics. The Focus RS, also modified, has an intake, bypass valve and ECU recalibration. Even with 375 horsepower, and Drift Mode engaged, the Focus RS struggles to keep up with the GT86 when the going gets sideways. It sounds great, and offers a safe taste of oversteer, but it cannot compete with a rear-wheel drive car when it comes to tire smoke.
He obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science at the Ohio State University in 2013, then pivoted from covering politics and policy to writing about his automotive adventures, something that, he says, is a lot more fun. Since that time, he has established connections with most of the world's major automakers, as well as other key brands in the automotive industry.
