“I love your Audi! I want one so bad!”

I drive a debadged 2022 forte GT…

It’s entirely subjective. Torque is usually the best way to “feel” power. But there’s other factors in it too. Softer suspension tilts the car back on launch and adds to the acceleration feeling. I had a blast in my totally stock Focus ST I had back in 2013. But then I lowered it to reduce body roll and it honestly felt a good amount slower. So much so that I thought maybe something went wrong with the install but nope, it was fine lol. Once the car doesn’t tilt back as much, the only thing to push you back in the seat is g forces from accelerating and the stock ST didn’t have much of that in 1st or 2nd gear because of traction limitations.

So, I ended up going full bolt on and a tune, and while it blew the doors off my buddy’s stock ST, when I’d drive his, his felt faster lol.

Bottom line: stats aren’t everything, just gotta go drive it and see how it feels

Edit: not to mention a FBO focus ST sounds like ass

Something that’s not mainstream.

If I see someone drive a new Kia Forte GT or Elantra N (as long as they aren’t riced out), I know they know enough about cars not to have just said “ew Kia” or “ew Hyundai” and they actually research all cars on the market (not just the ones kids buy for clout).

Also, somebody who drives a bone stock special edition car. Something like a GT350 or a ZR1. Whenever I see that at a car show, it’s always driven by someone who’s a “purist” and understands why it’s silly to modify a purpose built car like that.