ZL1 1LE Suspension vs Focus RS

neomastino · 06-28-2019, 01:32 PM

I currently own a Focus RS and am seriously looking at the ZL1 or the ZL1 1LE in the near future. My question is, does anyone have any experience with both the 1LE suspension and the RS in sport or track mode in terms of rough riding. Are the comparably rough riding or does one trump the other?

Thank you.

Stephen12ZL1 · 06-28-2019, 01:47 PM

David Kramar has both here.

TRZ06 · 06-28-2019, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neomastino

I currently own a Focus RS and am seriously looking at the ZL1 or the ZL1 1LE in the near future. My question is, does anyone have any experience with both the 1LE suspension and the RS in sport or track mode in terms of rough riding. Are the comparably rough riding or does one trump the other?

Thank you.

I've never driven a Focus RS. but just FYI, the ZL1 and ZL1 1LE are two completely different animals when it comes to ride quality and spring stiffness.

Two separate technologies as well, the ZL1 is MRC, the ZL1 1LE is DSSV fixed dampers.

rickybobby · 06-28-2019, 04:16 PM

I’ve owned both and I’d say that the zl1 1le is probably the only car on the market that rides worse (on the the street) ��

Having said that, you can definitely feel that the camaro has the far superior chassis and the dssv shocks are leagues better in terms of car control and bounce. One place the Zl1 feels worse than the focus RS is the limited amount of suspension travel that easily bottoms out on the street. On the track, the camaro is leagues better than the ford.

Having said that I like the camaro much better than the focus because it’s such a better track car.

neomastino · 06-28-2019, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickybobby

I’ve owned both and I’d say that the zl1 1le is probably the only car on the market that rides worse (on the the street) ��

Having said that, you can definitely feel that the camaro has the far superior chassis and the dssv shocks are leagues better in terms of car control and bounce. I think the only place the Zl1 feels worse than the focus RS is the limited amount of suspension travel that easily bottoms out on the street. On the track, the camaro is leagues better than the ford.

Having said that I like the camaro much better than the focus because it’s such a better track car.

Great, thank you for the information, my wife already hates riding in the RS, she would kill me if I get something worse riding. the safer play may be the regular ZL1.

Artos · 06-28-2019, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neomastino

Great, thank you for the information, my wife already hates riding in the RS, she would kill me if I get something worse riding. the safer play may be the regular ZL1.

The mag ride on the regular Z is outstanding...the difference between track & tour is quite remarkable. Only reason I would buy the ZLE would be if I lived near & visited the track often. The regular Z in track is still pretty stiff around town for me personally.

Welcome to the forum!! what part of TX??

rickybobby · 06-28-2019, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neomastino

Great, thank you for the information, my wife already hates riding in the RS, she would kill me if I get something worse riding. the safer play may be the regular ZL1.

Well mine hated the RS but would still ride in it. The camaro is a no-go for road trips.

drfeelgood · 06-28-2019, 06:30 PM

T the OP, I would say, get the Zl1... if ride comfort is a concern, the Zl1 is the better option. If Tour or Sport are too bouncy, then keep it in track mode.

I keep mine in Track mode because I love the way it feels in track even when spirited driving on the street

Xlr8ion · 06-28-2019, 06:43 PM

If you buying for your wife get Focus.

drfeelgood · 06-28-2019, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xlr8ion

If you buying for your wife get Focus.

I believe he already owns the focus

trakdayz · 06-28-2019, 09:42 PM

this is post is hilarious because I want the 1LE in auto for daily/track use...but I test drove an RS today just because. I can tell you this...the 1LE will ride better....but I was impressed with the RS and the ride quality wasn't too bad like everyone says. Coming from 16 years of track cars with street use....the RS feels refined to me.

Kobal · 06-29-2019, 03:36 AM

I was all set to buy an RS until I happened to get a chance to test-drive a ZL1 (regular). It was all over after that. The ride quality was only part of the equation, but it was probably one of the biggest factors.

I do still really want an RS, just for the practicality and better use as a DD (I split DD duties between the ZL1 and an old car), but can't afford both.

The RS is fantastic, but the ride quality is hilariously bad. I test-drove a 2016 RS and a 2017 RS. They improved the ride quality in the 2017s. The 2016's ride in all modes was inexcusable for a modern car, IMO. I was factoring in the cost of an aftermarket active suspension to the tune of $5k if I got one, which put it within a stone's throw of the ZL1, which is perfect off the showroom floor.

closs2sx · 06-29-2019, 07:26 AM

I rode in a friends rs down 93 here in Nh for an hour to go pick up my zl1 1le from the clear bra installer and then rode home in the zl1 1le and the ride was slightly better in the zl1 1le and the seats are better too

kramard · 06-30-2019, 12:03 AM

I dd / track a focus RS and weekend / track a zle. The focus RS in track mode is stupid on the street. I don’t complain about stiff suspension but the RS gives me a headache. The zle is not as poorly sprung / damped as an RS in track mode but does not flow as well as a z/28. I put the zle in the tolerable to compliant category until: 1) you hit the bump stops (it can crash a bit when this happens) or 2) there a lot of vertical features in the pavement. It’ll get jumpy or bouncey.

If you change the tires to a non r compound things will be way better. Also, if you have good smooth roads things will be better.

To answer your question, the zl1 1le is more tolerable then an RS in track mode but stiffer then in normal mode. Hope that helps.

06-28-2019, 01:32 PM	#1
neomastino Drives: Ford RS Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 11	ZL1 1LE Suspension vs Focus RS I currently own a Focus RS and am seriously looking at the ZL1 or the ZL1 1LE in the near future. My question is, does anyone have any experience with both the 1LE suspension and the RS in sport or track mode in terms of rough riding. Are the comparably rough riding or does one trump the other? Thank you.

06-28-2019, 01:47 PM	#2
Stephen12ZL1 Drives: '21 ZLE A10 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mechanicsville, VA Posts: 6,809	David Kramar has both here. __________________ '21 ZLE A10 Wild Cherry PDR 2:00.78 VIR Full 10.68@131.69 1.68 60' '17 ZL1 A10 Mosaic Black PDR/Nav 2:03.08 VIR Full 11.003@129.2 1.75 (sold) '15 Z/28 #325 Black a/c & stereo. 2:10.1 VIR Full (sold) '12 ZL1 A6 Black 10.52@131 1.55 60' 2:13 VIR Full (sold)

06-28-2019, 04:16 PM	#4
rickybobby Drives: BMW M3, ZL1 1LE Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: California Posts: 103	I’ve owned both and I’d say that the zl1 1le is probably the only car on the market that rides worse (on the the street) �� Having said that, you can definitely feel that the camaro has the far superior chassis and the dssv shocks are leagues better in terms of car control and bounce. One place the Zl1 feels worse than the focus RS is the limited amount of suspension travel that easily bottoms out on the street. On the track, the camaro is leagues better than the ford. Having said that I like the camaro much better than the focus because it’s such a better track car. Last edited by rickybobby; 06-28-2019 at 04:34 PM.

06-28-2019, 06:30 PM	#8
drfeelgood Drives: 2017 ZL1 Convertible A10 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: San Gabriel, CA Posts: 992	T the OP, I would say, get the Zl1... if ride comfort is a concern, the Zl1 is the better option. If Tour or Sport are too bouncy, then keep it in track mode. I keep mine in Track mode because I love the way it feels in track even when spirited driving on the street __________________ '17 White ZL1 A10 Convertible - TM ported TB - RotoFab CAI - 2.3" griptech upper pulley - Kooks 1 7/8" Headers with High Flow Cats - Borla S-type Catback - Audio Overhaul - NavTV M650-GM - 20" BlackDiForza- Michelin Pilot Sport4S - Tuned at BRC Raceworks (606rwhp/675trq) '14 CTS-V Coupe - ZL1 lid - Ported TB - Ported Snout - AirRad CAI - 8.66" lower - 2.55" upper- Greenbelt - SW Headers - SW Catback - Varimax Intercooler Pump - Track Attack Intercooler-Tuned at BRC Raceworks (551rwhp/516trq) '17 Maserati Levante- STOCK

06-29-2019, 07:26 AM	#13
closs2sx Drives: 1970 chevelle Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,427	I rode in a friends rs down 93 here in Nh for an hour to go pick up my zl1 1le from the clear bra installer and then rode home in the zl1 1le and the ride was slightly better in the zl1 1le and the seats are better too __________________ On Order 2018 ZL1 1LE Garnet Red Tint Coat Metallic MY Car 2015 Z06 Z07 Daytona Sunrise Orange Metallic Dads Car 2013 ZL1 vin 963 Crystal Red Tint Coat/Black Wheels Exposed Carbon Fiber Insert 6 Spd Manual

06-28-2019, 06:43 PM	#9
Xlr8ion Drives: 2013 Cayenne GTS Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 338	If you buying for your wife get Focus.

06-28-2019, 09:42 PM	#11
trakdayz Drives: E92 M3 & E36 M3 (Full Race car) Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: new york Posts: 92	this is post is hilarious because I want the 1LE in auto for daily/track use...but I test drove an RS today just because. I can tell you this...the 1LE will ride better....but I was impressed with the RS and the ride quality wasn't too bad like everyone says. Coming from 16 years of track cars with street use....the RS feels refined to me.

06-29-2019, 03:36 AM	#12
Kobal Drives: n/a Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: San Diego Posts: 9	I was all set to buy an RS until I happened to get a chance to test-drive a ZL1 (regular). It was all over after that. The ride quality was only part of the equation, but it was probably one of the biggest factors. I do still really want an RS, just for the practicality and better use as a DD (I split DD duties between the ZL1 and an old car), but can't afford both. The RS is fantastic, but the ride quality is hilariously bad. I test-drove a 2016 RS and a 2017 RS. They improved the ride quality in the 2017s. The 2016's ride in all modes was inexcusable for a modern car, IMO. I was factoring in the cost of an aftermarket active suspension to the tune of $5k if I got one, which put it within a stone's throw of the ZL1, which is perfect off the showroom floor.

06-30-2019, 12:03 AM	#14
kramard Drives: 2012 BMW 135i Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: MD Posts: 396	I dd / track a focus RS and weekend / track a zle. The focus RS in track mode is stupid on the street. I don’t complain about stiff suspension but the RS gives me a headache. The zle is not as poorly sprung / damped as an RS in track mode but does not flow as well as a z/28. I put the zle in the tolerable to compliant category until: 1) you hit the bump stops (it can crash a bit when this happens) or 2) there a lot of vertical features in the pavement. It’ll get jumpy or bouncey. If you change the tires to a non r compound things will be way better. Also, if you have good smooth roads things will be better. To answer your question, the zl1 1le is more tolerable then an RS in track mode but stiffer then in normal mode. Hope that helps.

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