Just thought we'd compare apples to apples....
Specs from Ford (Focus SVT)
Displacement: 1,988cc; 121 cu. in.
Compression ratio: 10.2:1
Horsepower: 170 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 145 lb.-ft. @ 5,500 rpm
Curb Weight: ???? lbs
Specs from Honda (2000 Si)
Displacement: 1595cc
Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
Horsepower: 160 hp @ 7600 rpm
Torque: 111 ft-lb @ 7000 rpm
Curb Weight: 2612 lbs
145 ft-lb torque. That's pretty impressive. Notice the difference in RPMS for the peak HP and the peak TQ. And how much does the damn thing weigh? They don't have that on their site. And the engine is 393 cc bigger(2.0L vs a 1.6L) than an Si. I would hope that it would produce more power.
So we have the SVT Focus with a 2.0L engine producing 85 HP per Liter and the Si with a 1.6L engine producing 100 HP per liter. And lets not forget the track record Honda has. Their cars last. Its proven. Then there's Ford. I'll leave it at that.
I do like the fact that the SVT Focus comes with 17's. That's a nice feature. Though it still doesn't make the car look any prettier.
Granted, the SVT Focus is HUGE leap for Ford. I don't forsee it "over-taking" Honda though.