Auto Express compares two similarly priced – but very different cars: Ford’s extremely hot hatchback, the Focus RS500 and the fantastic Porsche Boxster, on the track.

If you have £35,000 to spend on a performance car you've got some tough decisions to make. The Porsche Boxster and Ford Focus RS500 are both scintillating cars to drive, but go about putting their performance on the road in completely different ways. We wanted to find out which was quickest over a short, twisty course in conditions typical of a UK road.

At first glance both cars couldn't be more different, just compare the opposing specs. Front wheel drive versus rear wheel drive, five cylinders instead of six, front engined as opposed to mid engined... And the list goes on.

With 90bhp more power the 345bhp RS500 seems to have the edge on paper, but the entry level Boxster is carrying almost 135kg less weight and carries a reputation for fine handling and poise.

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