Fiesta 140 ST-Line vs Suzuki Sport

[survivalist]

Hi

Just wondering if anyone has compared the two and decided either way. Through a series of bizarre (or annoyingly beurocratic) reasons I'm looking at buying a cheap run around. Can lease or buy, but looking for a cheap runaround that provides a bit of fun. One a lease the Fiesta is about half the price of the Swift, buying with cash they cost roughly the same.

Not test driven either but have driven a non-sport swift and a Fiesta ST. Main criticism of the swift was the crappy 1.5 engine, while in the Fiesta ST was poor steering feel and a bit too 'boosty" in terms of how it delivers its performance.

While I always appreciate suggestions, It can't be older that 2 years or cost significantly more, we already have a sports car, 2-seat coupe and fast estate.

Thanks in advance

S

[Klippie]

Having recently looked at the Fiesta the interior was the biggest let down it felt very cheap even by Ford's standards and the build quality wasn't anything special, it looked good though I liked it in Red very much.

And having owned a Swift Sport for two years which it's self is not a premium car by any means the interior is better than the Ford and the build quality is actually really good, no turbo either just a nice revy N/A engine, handing wise I'll bet the two cars are pretty evenly matched, my money would still buy the Suzuki over the Ford.

There is a new Turbo Sport coming out soon so there will be even better deals to be had on the current model.

[Nickp82]

Both great cars but the Swift Sport would win it for me every time, it's fun 100% of the time.
If the Swift you drove was a 1.5 it would be the old model, the 2010 onward (current) model is far improved in terms of equipment and interior quality.

[edc]

I recently got a Fiesta ST line 140 primarily as a learner run around car. It replaced if you can call it that a C55 AMG as the practical car. I find it quite refined and the engine is pretty good. Of course it's not as focussed as the latest hot hacked but is pretty competent in the handling not department. Build quality seems decent enough. My sister has a 58 Fiesta and it's miles better in fit and finish than that and a whole lot quieter inside. I don't find the engine particularly boosts in fact it revs nice and cleanly with little harshness.
The other deciding factor was the lease price on a 3+23 was a paltry £136/month.

[gweaver]

See this thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=149...

And this recent review: http://www.evo.co.uk/ford/fiesta/18621/ford-fiesta...
That review is unusually uncharitable. Most reviewers love the Fiesta, so this is an interesting exception.

Bear in mind that the new Swift and Fiesta will hit the market this year. The new Fiesta isn't a looker, but will probably be an improvement over the current model, particularly if fitted with the six-speed box. The new Swift Sport probably won't appear until next year, and will be very different to the current car - lighter and more powerful, but with a turbo.

As for the current models, the Fiesta is definitely better on fuel and has more boot space. The Swift has better kit and is mechanically much simpler. The drivetrains are very different and suit different driving styles. The Swift is more responsive off the line and loves to rev, the Fiesta engine is more lazy, but has a strong mid range. Both sound very good. Both handle well.

Four things swung it for me:
1. A lot of detail engineering went into the Swift Sport over the standard Swift, things like the flow formed alloy wheels and myriad suspension mods. See the press pack for more info: http://media.suzuki.co.uk/models/swift-sport
2. I felt the Fiesta was hamstrung by the gearbox and I didn't like the turbo lag.
3. Japanese reliability. 1.0L Ecoboost engines are a little delicate, whereas the Suzuki M16A is tough http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php/home/news/27...
4. The Swift is the last N/A hot hatch, the swan song of a forty year era. Small turbo engines will be with us for a while yet.

HTH!