Despite weighing 268 pounds more than the Elantra (3,091 vs. 2,823), the Focus proved about a half-second quicker from zero to 60 mph. Its best run took 8.9 seconds compared to the Elantra's 9.5-second time (they run 8.6 and 9.2 seconds, respectively, with a 1-foot rollout like at a drag strip). The Focus was aided by quicker shifts from its twin-clutch gearbox along with a 2,800-rpm "launch control" mode that's good for two-tenths.



When it comes to stopping, the Focus' optional 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels/summer tire option helped it to an exemplary stopping distance of 111 feet from 60 mph. The all-season-tire-equipped Elantra could only manage a 126-foot stop from 60 mph, although its pedal was nice and firm. Although the Ford's pedal felt a bit spongy during panic stops at the track, on the road it was much more reassuring. The Elantra's pedal remained nice and firm throughout testing.



Besides the tires, the Focus has the benefit of a well-sorted suspension and one of the best electric-assist steering systems on the road. It snaked through our slalom at 67.7 mph, almost 2 mph quicker than the Elantra that proved to be surprisingly agile as well. The Focus might have even gone faster if not hampered by its nondefeat stability system, the intervention of which is thankfully quite high. The Focus also had its way with the Elantra around the skid pad, generating 0.88g versus the Elantra's 0.81g.