[xXHellFighter13Xx]

So I'm new here and I am currently looking at a veloster N, I currently have a 2016 Focus RS FBO 380whp/440wtq. Question is will I be disappointed with the performance of this car? IE cornering, straight line also autocross. As I'm coming from a more powerful/capable car and stepping down to less powerful car and I'm not sure if giving up my car for the N will be worth it. I've had my RS for 2 1/2 years and had my fun with it, I would be looking at a base over the PP due to my car not having a lsd only came on the 18's. Has anyone come from other more capable cars with better setups to the N? Also tuning seems to be an issue for the N as I was looking around the forums. As they are called piggy back tuners? Idk how all that works as I'm used to Cobb Accessport 3. Not sure if I should wait for the tuning for these to bloom or go ahead and trade in my car.

 

[dotdotdotPaul]

Personally, I wouldn't give up the RS, unless there was something you didn't like about it. You'd be going from AWD to FWD and step down in power. I don't remember the 0-60 on the RS, but I'm guessing it's a hair better than the 5.2s on the PP N, especially with the AWD advantage. Not sure how roomy the RS is, but four doors is more than 3. I traded in my Evo X for the PP N, and I don't regret it, even though it, too, is a step down -- but my Evo was 10 years old, so I was about ready for something new -- I considered trying to track down a used RS, FWIW, but couldn't justify the pricepoint for a used RS versus a new N (ie. about the same).

The question is -- why are you interested in moving away from the RS? Is there something specific you don't like about it?

 

[LateralGrip]

So I'm new here and I am currently looking at a veloster N, I currently have a 2016 Focus RS FBO 380whp/440wtq. Question is will I be disappointed with the performance of this car? IE cornering, straight line also autocross. As I'm coming from a more powerful/capable car and stepping down to less powerful car and I'm not sure if giving up my car for the N will be worth it. I've had my RS for 2 1/2 years and had my fun with it, I would be looking at a base over the PP due to my car not having a lsd only came on the 18's. Has anyone come from other more capable cars with better setups to the N? Also tuning seems to be an issue for the N as I was looking around the forums. As they are called piggy back tuners? Idk how all that works as I'm used to Cobb Accessport 3. Not sure if I should wait for the tuning for these to bloom or go ahead and trade in my car.

The N does not disappoint.

 

[xXHellFighter13Xx]

Personally, I wouldn't give up the RS, unless there was something you didn't like about it. You'd be going from AWD to FWD and step down in power. I don't remember the 0-60 on the RS, but I'm guessing it's a hair better than the 5.2s on the PP N, especially with the AWD advantage. Not sure how roomy the RS is, but four doors is more than 3. I traded in my Evo X for the PP N, and I don't regret it, even though it, too, is a step down -- but my Evo was 10 years old, so I was about ready for something new -- I considered trying to track down a used RS, FWIW, but couldn't justify the pricepoint for a used RS versus a new N (ie. about the same).

The question is -- why are you interested in moving away from the RS? Is there something specific you don't like about it?

I love my RS fast, fun nothing is wrong with it. I'm just ready for a change also a lower payment would be welcome to my wallet. Lol would be a step down from my car, need to experience it first. Got one in my area without PP for 26k and going to test drive it sometime today.

 

[RedVN]

If you compare it to the RS, you'll be disappointed. Trust me on this one.

 

[LateralGrip]

Personally, I wouldn't give up the RS, unless there was something you didn't like about it. You'd be going from AWD to FWD and step down in power. I don't remember the 0-60 on the RS, but I'm guessing it's a hair better than the 5.2s on the PP N, especially with the AWD advantage. Not sure how roomy the RS is, but four doors is more than 3. I traded in my Evo X for the PP N, and I don't regret it, even though it, too, is a step down -- but my Evo was 10 years old, so I was about ready for something new -- I considered trying to track down a used RS, FWIW, but couldn't justify the pricepoint for a used RS versus a new N (ie. about the same).

The question is -- why are you interested in moving away from the RS? Is there something specific you don't like about it?

I love my RS fast, fun nothing is wrong with it. I'm just ready for a change also a lower payment would be welcome to my wallet. Lol would be a step down from my car, need to experience it first. Got one in my area without PP for 26k and going to test drive it sometime today.

I wasn't going to bite but you got me. Why would you compare an RS vs N and then test drive an N without the PP?
The fact that the N/PP is mentioned along the RS and the Type R is impressive but! The RS and the TR are much more capable. Albeit you pay for it. For me its how the car feels. And it did. It for me. I sold a GT350R and then bought the N/PP. No comparison. But both cars gave me the same feeling. Know I have equity from the R tiny car payment and daily drive the N. The R was to much car for the street especially they way i drive. With the N its almost performance in slow motion for me. Its fast, it corners, it grips all just slower with limits much more accessible on the street. Dont try this at home. YmMV.

 

[dotdotdotPaul]

I love my RS fast, fun nothing is wrong with it. I'm just ready for a change also a lower payment would be welcome to my wallet. Lol would be a step down from my car, need to experience it first. Got one in my area without PP for 26k and going to test drive it sometime today.

If you want a lower payment, I'd look to refinance the RS -- rates just dropped significantly and you can get some good options from banks and credit unions to refi, and if even if your APR isn't that much lower than now, just doing a refi for more years will significantly drop your rate. I need to refi the wife's Volvo, which is $600/mo and we had a really good 1.9% financing on it. Refi at 3.5% with my credit union, but for 5-7 more years, and that payment drops in half (although, of course, I'll be paying longer).

If you're just "ready for a change", I can't help you there; the N is plenty fun, but it's definitely not "the same"... but maybe that's a good kind of change for you!

 

[pandahatch]

I personally have been disappointed in the straight line speed of the VN, but everything else I absolutely love about the car. I think you would definitely be disappointed in the N if you were to do mostly freeway pulls, because it's quite frankly just not that fast past like 60mph. Of course, the other car I drive in often is my buddy's 410whp R32 GTR and since I'm in the passenger seat it feels even faster. But everytime I **** around on the freeway I'm disappointed honestly. BUT - once I get to the corners, I could care less about the straight line speed. This car handles so exceptionally well it blows my mind. I love it SO MUCH. It is extremely playful and the inputs are just so fantastic. I love how I can put everything in the Sport+ mode but keep the suspension just in sport or normal depending on the driving conditions. It is such a forgiving car too, you know when youre close to the limits and it will never bite you. It's just easy to drive, and such a **** joy to drive. I do have to say that I think going without the PP is a mistake though. The LSD really helps A LOT when you want to pull out of corners. I personally bought this car because I was looking for a daily driver. Something compact, still fun, and does *decent* MPG. I test drove an Si, GTI (both DSG and a manual), Hyundai Elantra GT (I think that's what it's called, 201hp w/ DCT), and a few other. The VN was BY FAR the most engaging, playful, and fun car that I drove. Everytime I drive I have a smile on my face. Now I just need to pay it off as fast as possible so I can add a weekend car to my stable. I want something with 450whp or more to have a car that is fun on the freeway and puts me in my seat.

(Please excuse any mobile typos)

 

[Ghost]

Here, take a look at this.

The Veloster N is a much better daily driver as you can customize almost all the settings on the engine and suspension. The RS may be faster in a straight line and have AWD, but that's about it. With a few mods you'll be just as fast. Make sure you get one with the Performance Package on it at least. For $2,100 extra bucks it is definitely worth it. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[VelosterRaptor]

You know Hellfighter:

Sometimes you date a girl who's fast and easy, and "handles well" and looks great, with sexy curves, and you are the envy of all your friends. But that can be super exhausting and expensive.

Sometimes you date a girl who is isn't as fast, and isn't as easy, but still handles well and all those other same things but toned down enough that you are always comfortable with her in any situation.

Both are fun to get in and be with, but at least for me; I want whichever one has me still smiling and cracking jokes after 6 hours of running errands in potholes and traffic. That's the one I would marry.

 

[Ghost]

Love that response!!! So friggin' true too. So I assume the 1st paragraph is the RS and the 2nd one is the VN. So with that being said, I'd pick paragraph # 2.

Br,

-Mike

 

[cihkal]

You know Hellfighter:

Sometimes you date a girl who's fast and easy, and "handles well" and looks great, with sexy curves, and you are the envy of all your friends. But that can be super exhausting and expensive.

Sometimes you date a girl who is isn't as fast, and isn't as easy, but still handles well and all those other same things but toned down enough that you are always comfortable with her in any situation.

Both are fun to get in and be with, but at least for me; I want whichever one has me still smiling and cracking jokes after 6 hours of running errands in potholes and traffic. That's the one I would marry.

Couldn't agree more. I just picked up a performance blue non-PP VN and love the thing! I came from a turbo swapped MK6 GTI build.

 

[DarkHorse]

I was just having a very similar conversation with a buddy of mine, so I’ll throw in my $0.02...

I’ve always been drawn more towards small, lightweight cars that handle like go-karts. Most of my past cars would get smoked in a drag race by modern minivans, but out in the canyons very few cars could keep up with me.

My buddy has always been about high hp monsters... His last 3 cars were a 400+whp Subaru RS, a 400whp Focus RS, and a 600whp STI. No doubt about it, cars like that can be a lot of fun, but you very rarely get to use the car to its full potential on the street. I mean, you decide to put your foot down, and next thing you know you’re doing 140mph down the freeway. Not to mention all the **** that constantly breaks when you start building them to push that much power... He just sold his STI and is planning to get something with less power that handles like it’s on rails. In this conversation he said, “ It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast, than it is to drive a fast car slow.” I thought that summed it up perfectly!

The N is not the fastest car on the road, but it is an absolute blast to drive! Every time I drive it I’m left with a “perma-grin” on my face... I just can’t keep myself from smiling when I’m behind the wheel. At the very least go test drive one (I agree, get the PP), the N might just surprise you.

 

[Ghost]

Excellent analogy DarkHorse!!! I couldn't have said it better myself! This car rocks!!!

-Mike

 

[PeteNFlorida]

I bought a new 2014 Mustang GT, and it was must faster than my Veloster N. I did enjoy the Mustang, but I actually prefer the lighter more agile sporty cars. I also had a 1995 Miata L-edition, a 2001 Miata, and a 2016 Subaru wrx. All these light 4-cylinder cars were a total blast, and the performance I felt while driving them seemed so balanced compared to the Mustang.
Today was the first time I had actually pushed my Veloster, (530 miles on the odometer), and I am very satisfied with its acceleration. The handling, well, we don't even need to discuss that matter, its glued to the road.
The Veloster exceeds my expectations!

 

[Irondad]

Way late to reply, but... You nailed it Raptor. And also ditto on the previous comment that VN/PP <> VN. Without the PP, the VN is an over-priced Civic Si competitor - more hp, no lsd, less space, etc. etc.

With PP, it's the equal (in most ways) of the Golf R or CTR - and around here, those cars are $10-12K more. That's a different price category - VN/PP wins this category, hands down. There are faster cars, and better sounding cars than VN/PP, but not at anything like the price of VN/PP!!

 

[Nmode]

I came from a 370z and a Mustang GT. I test drove a 2019 STI before the VN/PP. I that it was fun, but it didn’t blow my socks off. I then went to test drive the 2020 Veloster N PP. It blew my mind how much fun it was. Light weight, LSD, rev match, dynamic suspension, active exhaust, great Power to weight ratio. It has everything I ever wanted in a car at that price point. Bought it after a week. No regrets. It always puts a smile to my face. I find any excuse to drive it. The Type R cant beat it for smiles per dollar.

 

[get_schwifty]

Here's my take: I went from a 2018 STI to a N without the performance package. The primary reason was the STI was a blast but a chore to drive and it aggravated my arthritis (nothing was adjustable except throttle response and diff lockup.) I don't really miss the straight line acceleration of the STI, although the STI is nowhere near comparable to your RS. I actually have more fun in the N than I did the STI, and I'm curious if my PSS' are going to heatcycle out even before I can expend all of the tread as they show signs of me having...a really good time.

In sum, the RS outperforms the N on all performance fronts, and your modified one is going to do so by an even greater margin. Both cars are effectively street cars you can drive on the track and they prioritize the fun factor. The N has drive settings that approach the ridiculousness of the RS, but also settings that enable it to be far more street-friendly, partly because it's far more customizable to the driver's needs. It's also a lot less expensive, and has superior electronics (least compared to the version of SYNC my buddy has in his.) You will enjoy the N's LED headlights, but you will miss having steering-responsive headlights that you have on the RS (and this is what I miss most from my STI.) The N's biggest shortcoming is its interior IMHO...and if you have an RS, I assume this means you are more concerned about driving engagement than fancy gadgets and leather, which means the N should be a great match.

Finally, you will get a ton more compliments on a N in performance blue than you will a RS. Literally, you will get more compliments on this color than you will know what to do with. People will approach you at gas stations. Champagne will rain for the heavens. And life will be good.

 

[VelosterRaptor]

Finally, you will get a ton more compliments on a N in performance blue than you will a RS. Literally, you will get more compliments on this color than you will know what to do with. People will approach you at gas stations. Champagne will rain for the heavens. And life will be good.

Mine is white with a black roof/pillars and the Veloster badge removed. Despite having obvious ugly chrome Hyundai badges I have been asked what kind of Porsche I drive twice now. More a testament to how clueless non-enthusiasts are than anything, but still I think GS is right, you will get compliments on the car more than an RS.

One couple in an old mid 80's Toyota Hilux that was clearly in town straight off the farm was gassing up behind me and they simply could not fathom the styling of the Veloster N... like they just kept walking around it and asking questions. It really does have a unique profile. And there was an ST in the parking lot that they didn't even look at.

Mind you I saw an RS at the grocery store a few days ago and I was the one gawking at the styling, it does look awesome in that blue color.