I had a run with a friend versus my modified Cooper S. I'm not sure if you get the Focus ST model in the states? You can google the specifications, it's quite a popular hot hatch around here.

In anycase, here was the result.
YouTube - Mini Cooper S (modified) vs Ford Focus ST (stock)

 

^you know, i think if i compiled a list of the top 25 or so coolest modern cars (maybe some throwbacks as well) you will probably have most of them in your garage(s). nice vid
what mods do you have on the cooper?

also, i think they might only sell the ST in europe and the RS here.. although i'm not too sure.
Focus ST

Engine
Configuration Duratec ST Straight 5
Location Front, transversely mounted
Construction aluminum alloy block and head
Displacement 2.522 liter / 153.9 cu in
Bore / Stroke 83.0 mm (3.3 in) / 93.2 mm (3.7 in)
Compression 9.0:1
Valvetrain 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed Fuel Injection
Aspiration KKK Turbo

Drivetrain
Gearbox 6 speed Manual
Drive Front wheel drive

Performance figures
Power 225 bhp / 168 KW @ 6100 rpm
Torque 320 Nm / 236 ft lbs @ 1600 rpm
BHP/Liter 89 bhp / liter

 

not even close. that's a quick little mini.

 

I like the MCS, here's one i have been dd'ing lately:



Very rough ride for every day though and huge amounts of road noise on the fwy.

What have you done to yours Mike?

 

Sadly, we've never had a turbo Focus sold here in the States . . . the closest thing we got was the 170hp SVT Focus. Nice video!

 

Thanks guys, I was very happy with the result.

 

^see how he so gracefully ignores the "what mods?" questions. Mike S is a real class act (no sarcasm!)

 

Hahaha, thanks. I did a thread on Rennteam with the step by step processes that the car had undergone. If you search for it, I'm sure you will find all the details

 

Link for us lazy gits pls.

 

Here you go.

Rennteam 2.0 - EN - Forum - My Mini's biography, new chapters to be added - Page1