Having owned and Autocrossed a stock suspension 04 STI (With Star Specs on stock wheels) I can tell you that the handling characteristics of my wife's 02 SVT Focus are MUCH better. Put the two on course and the STI will run faster times no questions asked (The grip is there) but the way you have to drive a stock suspension STI (On a stock alignment none the less) is insane. I loved mine regardless, but don't regret the decision one bit to trade it in on a BRZ. Nice Focus.
-Sam