Cross shopping Taurus SHO and Fusion Sport

GNBRETT said:

I test drove both before deciding on the VW Golf R. I would say the Taurus SHO is not only better looking but just rode better and that GINORMOUS mofia trunk is awesome! It was just really roomy and comfortable inside AND u can send the ECU out to have it flashed. Pick up like 30-40 hp I think.

The Fusion is just Boring imo.

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Trunk is deceivingly huge! Its odd, but its the first thing I always show people, and as soon as they see it they understand why. I've slept in mine before. As for tune, you just need a handheld and can pick up an easy reliable 50-75hp, a few simple mods and you're looking at ~450whp. Tune only high-mid 12s. But they are a limited platform if you really want to race them or do much performance work. My 2010 is nearly to 160k miles with no major mechanical issues, including original PTU, turbos, and water pump despite their reputation. Just remember forums and FB groups are the very vocal minority.

GNBRETT said:

U better believe it! AWD too so great DD in winter. With a tune alone with zero other mods it went 11.80 @115 mph. Put a Bigger Turbo on it with a DP, Intercooler and air box and they go 10.80's @ 125 mph and still be 100% reliable. Not too shabby for a DD.

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Wow that is surprising, I never hear anything about these. I'm going to look into them more, any suggestions?

I like the Sport myself but would probably go for a 3.0 MKZ before given the cost of the MKZ isn’t too drastically different than the Sport.

I'm on my second SHO. Such a great daily driver - comfortable, good looking, quick, smooth. In many ways, I enjoy driving it more than driving my Mustang.

The PTUs definitely have a bad rap. I noticed mine was "leaking" when under it changing the oil (40k miles).

The dealer claimed Ford wouldn't fix it under the powertrain warranty because it was "seepage" and not leaking. I always love BS like that. Before my powertrain warranty is up at 60k, I'll be taking to a different dealer and see if I get the same answer.

For what it's worth, if you have a BG fluid change done before 50k miles and then every 30k miles, they will warranty the PTU for life. I am thinking of going that route.

Yes, the years range from 2015-2020. Avoid the 15 model if u want Apple CarPlay. Those are 16 and up. Definitely get the DSG (Auto) and definitely opt for the DCC (Adjustable suspension modes). The DCC I use at least 10-15 times a week id say. Goes from really soft to really stiff on the fly with a button.

Models 2018-2020 are called Mark 7.5 models. 15-17 are referred to as Mark 7.0 models. The difference is the dash is nicer, the seats have some added stitching, the radio display is slightly larger, comes with a 7 speed auto vs. 6 speed and all come standard with DCC. DCC for years 15-17 is optional. Everything else is the same other than different wheels. 18 or 19's are standard.

VW will be releasing the Mark 8.0 model in either 2021 or 2022. They are not cheap tho but they do hold their value like crazy! U can probably score a 7.0 for about $28k 7.5 for $31-32k. The interior is dope! Basically like a high end Audi would have inside. And the seats are the best seats I've ever sat in period!

Basic bolt-ons with zero engine work will yield a 10 second DD. Its an amazing Platform! The Motor is different in the Golf R vs. the GTI. Better rods, pistons and valve train. Same crank.

Most opt for the stage 1 tune from United Motorsports or APR (UM is preferred) and that usually entails the tuning of the ECU and the DSG and will yield about 340 whp. The Golf R weighs about 200 lbs more than the standard GTI does but it has AWD and launch mode in AWD is crazy. It dead hooks. That tune will cost $1300.
Golf R is 3300 lbs.

Sunroof is optional in the GTI. It is not available with the Golf R in this country. The Mark 8.0 will likely have a sunroof option but will also cost near $50k.

United Motorsports also offers a tune for the Halidex (AWD) and it recalibrates the Halidex to engage much quicker and when on the hi way just cruising it will disengage the rear and be front drive only for better gas mileage. It helps tremendously in the winter with snow. Put some Blizzacks on it and its a BEAST in the snow. I mean u can like snow cross with it! Its insane! Will never get stuck in the snow.

Rubenk said:

Wow that is surprising, I never hear anything about these. I'm going to look into them more, any suggestions?

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I never realized the golf r was that strong of a car. What kind of gas mileage you get on your commute?

Now granted I drive pretty dam fast. Before the UM tune I got 23 mpg. After I got 21 mpg. If u drove it like a normal human being ur looking at 25-27 mpg without a tune and probably 23-25 mpg with a tune under normal driving conditions.

Its faster than my buddys Mercedes E55 and he gets 14 mpg. He went 12.15 in the 1/4 with his. Dont remember his mph.

bigja01cobra said:

I never realized the golf r was that strong of a car. What kind of gas mileage you get on your commute?

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