I own a 300 HP FWD HHR SS. Even at 3200 pounds I would clean house on a road track with the HHR SS. I would expect the same in the Focus.
Now on a tight autocross track the Fiero would have an advantage as the less power would be much easier to hook up on tight turns and slaloms.
The only thing that hurts the FWD is they can not put the power down easy. If you do it is because of the traction aids and they slow you down. I have spun the tires rolling in the SS at 50 MPH. The weight transfers from the front to the back and it unloads the tires making it hard to hook up. On a long wide open track there is no issue with unloading the front wheels.
Do not underestimate the torque of a direct injected 4 cylinder. My 2.0 Eco has 315 FT LBS at 1800 RPM and will hold it to 5300 RPM. These little turbo engines are torque monsters. My 2.8 used to feel good but anymore it feels like something is wrong with it after driving these new turbo engines.
[This message has been edited by hyperv6 (edited 11-21-2013).]
