12th Feb 2005, 05:26
Amazed that anyone could regard a Peugeot 406 V6 as significantly better than the latest Mondeo.
As a design it is several years older than the current Mondeo and is now obsolete having been replaced by the 407.
No doubt a big V6 in a 406 sized car will be quick, but from what I have read it overwhelms the normally capable chassis. Worst thing about it though is its build quality and assembly which, how can I put this, is a bit French! and certainly light years away from the best German quality which Ford aspires to in the Mondeo.
Finally, whilst the Mondeo can hardly claim to have good residuals, a 406 V6 will be virtually worthless after a couple of years!
12th Apr 2005, 01:22
Hope this doesn't put the cat amongst the pigeons too much, but I'm thinking about buying either an Opel Vectra GTS sport, a Subaru WRX or a Mondeo ST. Can anyone comment on how the Mondeo ST compares to say an '03 model Subaru WRX as far as performance, build quality etc goes?
28th Apr 2005, 08:41
To improve performance you could always look at getting a Miltek exhaust and Bluefin chip. Should probably get you an extra 15-20bhp. If you want some serious power, then check out www.engemann.de/. The site is in German, but they do provide some serious tuning options for the ST.
I was driving a ST220 4 months ago, and really miss it. Replaced it with a Focus 1.8 TDCI while I do some house work. Nice car, the Focus, but it doesn't have the all round ability of the ST220!
Whenever I read these comments on this website regarding the ST220, I feel really sad that my performance blue ST is in someone else's hands!
11th May 2005, 08:01
Excellent car, Would recommend to anyone.
Could do with a bit more low end power prior to 5000 revs.
You may not feel the acceleration as you would expect, but keep an eye on the speedo, the car hides the speed very well. Can easily hit 100mph in 3rd.
Investing in a GPS speed camera locator is advisable.
(Only buy if you intend to maximise the cars potential... and fill up with fuel on a regular basis.)
Servicing costs are also reasonable, considering the engine spec.
Overall 8/10.
3rd Jun 2005, 11:13
Great car, had mine 6 months. Done 3000 miles & still hoping fuel economy will get better.
Well kitted out, just had sunroof, child booster seat, performance blue & tech. pack added.
My only main gripe are the brakes... they are terrible for a car of this capability.
Brakes on my ST24 are far sharper & everybody who takes my ST220 for a spin comments on them.
18th Jan 2006, 06:30
There is another car that joins the ST 220 and ST TDCI from the ford range worth considering. I have recently purchased a 2.2 TDCI Titanium X 54 plate. It has the same engine as the ST TDCI the same body kit and sports suspension. They changed this model in 2005 (new rear light cluster) and replaced the bodykit, with standard GHIA , so this older example offers a good and possibly cheaper alternative if you buy used. Performance and handling having driven both St and Tit were the same.
15th Mar 2006, 06:43
After a lot of sitting-on-the-fence the ST220 won hands down as a replacement for my last car of 10 years. The Granada 24V Cosworth was always going to take some beating and in the 170K miles I've put on it I don't see why I should leave the Ford stable. As someone said earlier - Mercs and Beamers on every corner - not everyday you see true performance Fords. Pick mine up in 72hours...
21st Mar 2006, 14:31
I wouldn't touch a diesel Ford personally. The 1.6 and 2.0 TDCi engines used in the new Focus and C-Max are OK because they're basically rebadged Peugeot HDi units, but Mondeo diesels have always been troublesome. Whether it's the old 1.8 Endura snapping timing belts at 20,000 miles, the 2.0 TDDi Mondeos surging and returning less than 30 mpg, or the stalling, rough running and endless firmware update problems well documented on the newer TDCi's, they just aren't worth the risk. Ford make great cars, but they haven't got a clue how to make a half decent diesel engine - never have, and arguably never will.
158 PS from a modern 2.2 diesel is also pretty unspectacular. BMW get 2PS more from 200cc less, and Fiat / Alfa get 42PS more from 200cc more. Sad as it is to say, if you want diesel buy a French or German, or even lately, an Italian car. They're always a step ahead of everyone else.
If Ford had used the twin turbo V6 diesel from the S-Type Jag, that would have been a much better bet, as well as running the ST220 a lot closer on performance and refinement. Another rebadged Peugeot HDi engine by the way which also appears in the new 407 Coupe.
22nd Mar 2006, 03:39
There is no way a ST 220 Mondeo could keep up with a Megane 225. the Mondeo has 3 BHP less and is about 230 KG heavier. Mondeo ST 220 only hits 60 in 7.6 Secs the Megane will do it in 6.3 seconds. So you can try to race a Megane 225 but you will be upset when you lose.
24th Mar 2006, 09:59
I agree the Megane is still quicker, but magazine tests have clocked the ST to 60 in 6.5. It's a much quicker car than people realise.
Oh, and not being a Renault, it will still be in one piece at 60,000 miles!
14th Apr 2006, 13:52
I drive a ST220, you should realise the power it kicks! il even take your french loving taste for a spin it, my mate has a r32 and he can't put me to shame neither can my scoop lovin mate, definitely a very fast and great engine, drives like a BMW!.
P.S £900 fully comp @ 25 can't complain, with insurance!
23rd Jun 2006, 16:50
I got my ST220 4months ago and I love it. Previously drove a BMW 325i, and I can say the Mondeo is a far superior car. Not only is it quicker, but also better specced and a nicer place to sit on long journeys. Badge snobs will never appreciate a fast Ford. Nothing can match it for the price. I also recently drove an SL350, and can safely say the Mondeo is quicker. The engine is far more eager to rev. Good job Ford. Looking forward to the new one.
27th Nov 2004, 04:20
The ST220 is very steady and solid at 260km/h, providing a solid road surface. I had the free flow exhaust and chip fitted through my local Ford dealer, which in turn had it done through Steve's Auto Clinic in South Africa. Apparently there is a chip available in the UK that gives the ST220 the performance of the XJR. Could someone supply a phone number or web address? Cheers.
Morne (South Africa)