Slugs on Steroids: Tuned Vauxhall Astra GSI vs. Ford Focus RS

Drag races between modern sports cars get old quickly – the gaps are often minimal and determined by secondary factors, because engine power is never lacking. Mass-market daily drivers of the early 2000s – now that’s a fun niche for racers and tuners alike!

A recent video compares two tuned cars from that era – a Vauxhall Astra GSI (same as Opel) and a Ford Focus RS. Both are loaded with performance mods and are no longer nearly as boring as stock.

Specifically speaking, the Astra has a forged cylinder block, a single large turbocharger, 456 PS (450 hp / 335 kW) and 515 Nm (380 lb-ft) of torque. Intake, exhaust, injection, cooling and ECU are all new.

For its own part, the Focus makes do with its 2.0-liter Duratec block, but enjoys a similar scope of mods and sends 431 PS (425 hp / 317 kW) to the wheels along with 610 Nm (455 lb-ft) of torque.

Both contenders are stick-shift/FWD, but the Ford has an ace up its sleeve in the form of a differential lock.

Place your (imaginary) bets and watch the video by Officially Gassed!