I've own an ST, awesome car, played with it and spent a fortune tuning it, however taking delivery of a new RS in July. The 2 litre Eco boast engine is really good.

 

I've got a 2013 ST. Absolutely love this car. My wife will take it when my RS arrives in June.

 

2010 RS
Pros: Sound (5cyl), styling, performance, "look at me" factor, rare car
Cons: rare car (harder to maintain, expensive parts), no cruise control, no sat-nav, louder NVH, 3 door, insurance cost
*check history - has it been tracked?

2016 ST
Pros: new car, modern ICE/comfort, relatively common (parts/maintenance), decent fuel econ, fun to drive, 5 door practicality
Cons: torque steer, less flashy/rare, softer suspension

First and foremost you want to make sure the RS hasn't been thrashed, as many have been. Find out if the owner has any records at all.
I can nearly 100% guarantee the RS will cost more to own over the next 5 years. Definitely check into the insurance situation before you buy.
The RS has the wick turned up on nearly everything - it's a track ready sports car. The ride will be stiffer, the engine will be noisier, the comfort will be minimized. If you're daily driving this car it may wear on you.
Or it may not - everyone's got their thing.
Good luck!

 

2010 Mk2 RS hands down...having owned one prior to my Mk3 RS I can tell you that they are a fantastic car...in some ways better than the Mk3 (certainly in masculine looks and sound). But as said above, a newer car could potentially cost less in maintenance. But saying that, if you can find a clean, original low mileage RS go for it. I sold my Mk2 last year with around 45,000 km on the clock and it was pristine (pity you weren't in the market then!). The Mk2 RS is an iconic collectable...only a limited number came to Australia and fewer to WA.....
Insurance cost is OK...some parts could be expensive but a lot are shared with the XR5 turbo...also parts available at a reasonable cost from the UK and are easily shipped.

 

I've had my Mk3 for 8 months and I still lust for a Mk2. The hard edges in looks noise and intent are just horn. I still consider whether I'd like to trade backward. Great time to buy never see more on the market though many already moved with Mk3 upgraders

 

The biggest cost of ownership is generally depreciation. The RS will have done most of it's depreciation & in my view should hold pretty strong for the next few years before good examples start to climb in value. So while it may cost more to run, you're less likely to take a bath on it come sale time.

If I could find a good example mk2 RS I'd take it every time over a Mk3 ST for the same cash.

 

that green colour on the mk2 rs is hard to go past. although how does the mk2 rs go with torque steer? one of the posters above listed torque steer as a con for the ST. i can understand that as a stand alone thing but not sure how the mk2 compares if one was to compare the prevalence of torque steer in both cars?

 

I can tell you from owning a '13 ST the torque steer was strong. I've not driven a Mk2 RS, although the RevoKnuckle trick is supposed to lessen that somewhat. Still, 300hp at the front wheels is nothing to sniff at.

 

personally i would go with the RS, but i am a fan of MK2 RS.

it has 50 more hp then the ST and a hell of alot more badass and rare
downside is people mostly drive them like they stole them



the ST on the otherhand is still fun, and has more options / creature comforts
downside its not an RS

Hi all,

...
cheers