I have a 16' tandem axle trailer and access to several trucks for towing purposes... But I would rather drive the Jeep to and from the trail.
As far as the focus goes ~ I wanted another VW but got too good of a deal on the SVT with supplier discounts etc. (The SVT > std. focus by far...) Plus I read this:
Specifically this-> Even through our 490-foot slalom, the tires exhibited almost zero tire squeal, and the car simply flies through the cones with almost no body roll. Its 47.3-mph slalom speed beats the Sentra SE-R's by 1.3 mph, the Mercedes-Benz AMG C32 by 2.2 mph and even the Subaru Impreza WRX by 1.3 mph, and slots it close to the Porsche 911 Carrera's 47.5 mph.
I don't trailer my Jeep anywhere. Last time I took it for a long trip, I ended up doing over 2000 miles. It will do jaunts in the 500-700 range fairly easily but it's a bear having to keep up with traffic. 70mph is on the low end. Big rigs do 70-75mph. SUV's are usually zipping by at 80-85mph. So drive at 65mph and you become a road block for everyone. It doesn't help that there are only two lanes either. When the roads widen up to 4 it's a lot easier to cruise at 65mph. The gearing though it not anywhere near optimal on the open roads. Wind is one of the biggest issues. Since the torque band is small, a gusty head wind can drop 5-7mph off in an instant. Having to regain it is a slow and painful process. One stretch called the 'Grapevine' on I-5 heading into the LA Basin is a real killer. Last time I was chugging up the hills at 50-55mph in 3rd gear with the RPM at 4000. Actually with my old ignition the exhaust tone would resonate inside so it's not too bad now. That stretch really tests out your engine and gearing though.
Another thing I want to do is install A/C. I've never had AC in any car I've owned. Since my windows don't open unless you open the door, since the cranks hit my roll cage, you can't open and close them on the fly. I'd also like to go with an automatic this time. I might go with a reverse manual body so I can shift though. It's just a lot easier to use an auto in the swap here. 90% of the donors are auto's so it's easy to find a matching pair. Although I'm not up on my auto's. I know the older gen with the 4L60e and the 4L80e but there is also a 6L90 6-speed auto. I'm not sure if there are aftermarket stuff for them yet. The engine I'm looking at is the GM LY6 6.0L (345hp/370lbs-ft). I think that should be enough engine. This will allow me to keep my 4.56's and still have plenty of power at hand. I believe the lowest GM ever gears their trucks is to 4.10 and that's usually an option. Most got for 3.55 or 3.73's. Anyway, I'll need a second car before I can get the swap done. I'm thinking STI.
Cones are a bit different then a road course of highway though. Smaller lighter, no boost is a big advantage. My friend used to autoX his Golf. Now he's got a Rex. It's sad that we get stuck with the MKI while everyone else has had the MKII for 3 years now. I believe they finally introduced the MKII for 08 but axed the hatch. Problem is the MKII is larger and Ford USA needs a small car. Although they could bring back the Festiva. The UK version is pretty hot.
