Times have gotten very difficult for enthusiasts. Car prices have skyrocketed, which means that people who genuinely love cars have had to reach deeper into their wallets to get into an enjoyable vehicle. Take for instance Ford's new Focus RS. The hot hatch is equipped with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine from the Mustang that's good for 345 hp and the ability to get to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. The price for all of this goodness is $35,730 without the destination fee. That's a steal right? Well, we're not quite sure anymore.

If you're after pure speed for the same price, what's wrong with the cheaper, more powerful Ford Mustang GT Fastback? The Mustang comes with a 435-hp 5.0-liter V8 that can get to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. So the Mustang is quicker, more powerful and costs $32,395. If you crave the feeling of all-wheel drive, then what about the Subaru WRX STI? It may have less power, but it can still get to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and costs $34,495, which is cheaper. Is it just us, or does the Focus RS seem like not such a good deal anymore? This may be an archaic way to compare these vehicles, but still. In Europe, the Focus RS greatly undercuts the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R.

But in the US, the Focus RS and the Golf R cost roughly the same. We understand that enthusiasts in the US have been devoid of Focus' with the RS badge, but that can't be the only reason as to why Ford has priced the vehicle so high. Yes, the Focus RS will have cutting-edge technology, look like nothing else on the road and have the versatility only a hatchback can provide. But we can think of a few new cars that are going to be just as fun to drive everyday that cost far less. And don't even get us started about the options for $35K in the pre-owned market. At the end of the day, we'll have to get our hands on a Focus RS to see if it's worth it. But if you had $35K to spend on a vehicle, would you get the Focus RS or something else?