The Big Test Poll

Sibling rivalry: Ford Fiesta 1.6 Sport vs Mazda 2 1.5 R

By Ferman Lao —

Both the Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2 reside in the highly contested subcompact territory. At this price point and size category, choosing between two truly distinct hot hatches is very difficult.

On the one hand, you have the polished, prim and proper European Fiesta, which keeps things nice and orderly under most driving conditions. Push it to the limit, however, and it exhibits driving prowess that you wouldn't have thought possible in a car of this size.

On the other hand, you have the nimble and quick Japanese Mazda 2, which boasts similar capabilities but allows you to have more fun at saner speeds. While both cars have point-and-shoot capability, the Mazda does not require as much coaxing.

Top Gear Philippines Big Test - Ford Fiesta vs Mazda 2

Basic technical specifications Ford Fiesta 1.6 Sport Mazda 2 1.5 R
Engine 1.6-liter DOHC 16V I4 1.5-liter DOHC 16V I4
Type gasoline, naturally aspirated gasoline, naturally aspirated
Capacity 1,596cc 1,497cc
Maximum output (hp @ rpm) 119 @ 6,000 102 @ 6,000
Maximum torque (Nm @ rpm) 151 @ 4,050 135 @ 4,000
Transmission 6-speed dual-clutch automatic 4-speed automatic
Brakes (front / rear) disc / drum disc / drum
Front suspension independent MacPherson independent MacPherson
Rear suspension twist beam torsion beam
Wheels 16in alloy 15in alloy
Tires 195 / 50 R16 185 / 55 R15
Dimensions L/W/H (mm) 3,950 / 1,722 / 1,496 3,922 / 1,695 / 1,485
Wheelbase (mm) 2,489 2,490
Curb weight (kg) 1,153 1,054
Power-to-weight ratio (hp / ton) 103.21 96.77
Fuel tank capacity (liters) 43 42

Same underpinnings, two different takes, one segment to dominate. Don't expect a pussyfoot battle just because these cute cars run in the same family. They're up for a real east-versus-west showdown. Which car gets your vote?

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Called-Out Comments All Comments
  • robenson Mar 23 2011 @ 10:18am
     
    No Brainer. 1.6 vs. 1.5. 6-speed dual clutch vs. 4-speed a/t. Just add 20k you'll have the fiesta.
       
  • the 8th Mar 23 2011 @ 10:24am
     
    472 Nm for the Fiesta?
       
  • tidus1203 Mar 23 2011 @ 11:13am
     
    Let the market do the talking. Fiesta is the best selling or 2nd best selling (depending on the month) hatchback in the market today... The Mazda 2 never stood a chance...
       
  • mts Mar 23 2011 @ 12:38pm
     
    Important spec missing, dapat naka indicate din para makita yung worth ng 20k difference.. :)
       
  • joab565 Mar 23 2011 @ 01:03pm
     
    Fiesta's 6 speed dual clutch VS the Mazda 2's pathetic 4 a/t. The fiesta is the very clear winner!
       
  • joab565 Mar 23 2011 @ 01:06pm
     
    The mazda 2 has a higher revving engine than the fiesta. Still, it has no use cause it got only 4 a/t.
       
  • bayen Mar 23 2011 @ 01:34pm
     
    Ford Fiesta Vs the Honda Jazz pwede pa siguro.
       
  • barry Mar 23 2011 @ 02:26pm
     
    definitely fiesta!
       
  • mts Mar 23 2011 @ 02:40pm
     
    Just wondering, a comparo between Fiesta and 2 (where in both are Ford's) and no comparo between Fiesta and Jazz? Again, no comparo yet? But why?!
       
  • engr_kristian Mar 23 2011 @ 03:12pm
     
    not even close. anybody who would choose Mazda 2 over the Fiesta is insane. for a meager price difference, the Fiesta is more powerful, better tranny, bigger wheels, better power loading, bigger tank, not sure about the cabin space but judging from the dimensions the Fiesta seems more spacious, & it looks better. if the price difference is 100k or more then it's a whole new different story...
       
  • mts Mar 23 2011 @ 03:30pm
     
    But still, my friend bought a Mazda 2 and I don't know why! Ladies o.O :))
       
  • gvm0116 Mar 23 2011 @ 03:38pm
     
    It's like choosing between Michael and Ralf Schumacher. Both come from the same family, the same blood type, both are racing drivers, they even more or less, look the same. I'd be bonkers if I were to say that the latter is better. hehe The same goes with aforementioned two. The 2 is a very capable city car but nowhere near as good as the Fiesta.
       
  • Stigmiester Mar 23 2011 @ 03:49pm
     
    Ken Block monster ride.. Fiesta ..yeah baby!
       
  • speed888 Mar 23 2011 @ 08:26pm
     
    mas may appeal ang fiesta!
       
  • AKP1973 Mar 23 2011 @ 08:45pm
     
    I just don't understand why Mazda deprived us of having a manual tranny in their lineup.. Suzuki learned their lesson, they now have a 5-speed top of the line SWIFT. For me Manual = freedom. Again that's just me.
       
  • HD Mar 23 2011 @ 08:59pm
     
    Actually the MZ2 Sport is more fun to drive than the Fiesta S, is quicker to accelerate from standstill and has better all around visibility. It also has a more responsive transmission too. Having said that, the Fiesta S does have more toys, bigger wheels, has better suspension, better NVH and a more refined ride. In short I'd pick the Fiesta too but ideally I want a Fiesta with the MZ2's agility and perkiness.Cmon FGP - give us a Fiesta Sport 1.6 with MT! :P
       
  • dominic Mar 23 2011 @ 09:40pm
     
    HARI should bring here the Accent 5dr hatch!
       
  • ashek268 Mar 24 2011 @ 10:25am
     
    This is a not comparo. TOP GEAR should have pitted the Fiesta against the Jazz.
       
  • heeloora Mar 24 2011 @ 12:12pm
     
    guys, check this out! they compared the jazz, fiesta, and the 2. the jazz ranked first, the mazda 2 second, and the fiesta 3rd.

    http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/original/application/d9223803320daddaa3c83db50ee22645.pdf

    i think the three cars are great! it just depends on the owner's preference. the jazz focuses on overall practicability, fiesta on comfort, and the 2 on fun-driving.
    Last modified Mar 24 2011 @ 12:15pm
       
  • GBfive Mar 24 2011 @ 02:28pm
     
    Mazda 2. the only problem is the price. a 50-75k price difference would maybe make buyers think twice.
       
  • mts Mar 24 2011 @ 06:15pm
     
    Sir heeloora, thanks for the site. :)
       
  • Jony_jjo Mar 26 2011 @ 09:17am
     
    The Fiesta has a good review and a clear winner in paper specs, I really want to buy this car when I first saw on the web.
    But why did I bought Mazda 2? In the REAL World.. Its cheaper than Fiesta, It always smiles at me :D, its Quick, More Room, Good FC for City driving, Best of All it will go ZOOM ZOOM!
    I wish I could talk to my car with all that wireless tech stuff..but maybe not today. Mazda 2 fun to drive that's what I need.

    If you go for Fiesta go buy a Fiesta :)
       
  • gbt0218 Apr 12 2011 @ 12:51pm
     
    Interior:
    Ford Fiesta win

    Exterior
    Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta

    Speed
    Ford Fiesta, sluggish car
    Mazda2, much faster than fiesta because of power to weight ratio
       
  • jbedpan Jul 16 2011 @ 01:35pm
     
    i'll go for the Ford Fiesta even if the gas lid cover is always open (there is no lock on it).
    but if i consider Honda Jazz then the Jazz is for me, actually i'm looking to buy a used 2009 Honda Jazz for my wife.
       
  • outdoormaster Aug 21 2011 @ 03:29pm
     
    good thing its been a long time since anybody sold a mazda in bacolod city.
       
  • Mr.JMS Sep 20 2011 @ 11:09am
     
    "Speed
    Ford Fiesta, sluggish car
    Mazda2, much faster than fiesta because of power to weight ratio"

    parang typo bro. mas maganda Power-to-weight ratio ng fiesta sa specs above. =)
       
  • reyjason Feb 15 2012 @ 09:27pm
     
    in this comparison fiesta has the edge. . why not compare swift vs jazz vs fiesta?
       
  • SpeedRazor 11 months ago
     
    ahhh... the sweet smell of leather in the Fiesta R. hehehe!
       
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