[STdan]

Ford has released the official fuel economy ratings for its all new 2014 Ford Fiesta ST. The company stated that this subcompact car can return an 26 mpg in city, 35 mpg on highway, and 29 mpg combined, which is very similar to its main competitor in terms of efficiency, the 2014 Fiat 500 Abarth.

The 500 Abarath can return 28 mpg in city, 34 mpg on highway, and 31 mpg combined, but it falls short of the Fiesta ST on power. The Fiesta ST serves up 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque compared to the 160 hp and 170 lb-ft available in the Abarth.

Continue Reading @ 2014 Ford Fiesta ST vs 2014 Fiat 500 Abarth ? Fuel economy ratings Review and Pricing

 

[chilipepper]

I liked the Abarth when I drove it a couple months ago. It was surprisingly good, but at 23k, it didn't stand a chance against the Focus ST( and presumably the Fiesta ST, if and when it finally gets here). Well they are really discounting the Abarth now. I can get a base version @ $19,500 with 0% financing. That makes it a whole new ballgame and I am seriously considering getting it. But I feel that I need to wait until the Fiesta ST is available. It would really suck if I get the Abarth and then drive the FiST later only to find out that the FiST is so much better and worth the extra money.

 

[justinsane]

Interesting the Fiesta is only rated at 26mpg in the states, that's about what the Focus ST is rated at in Canada.
In Canada the Fiesta ST is rated at 36MPG city, I doubt you'll get that kinda mileage but usually it's not too far off, maybe 5-10% or so if you drive like a granny.
FiST obviously more practical but both cars show their economy car roots on the inside. I like the gadgets you can get on the FiST compared to 500, and I feel like long term reliability the ford is the safer bet.
Consumer reports tested the Abarth and complained about a rubbery shifter, dead on center steering, and that it lost a drag race to a new 4 cylinder accord
In Canada the cars are more or less the same price with 17" wheels and heated seats, kinda makes the fiesta a better value.
Aftermarket for the Fiesta ST in north america is just starting to develop but if the FoST is any sign we should be seeing lots of parts soon. Companies haven't developed much in North America for the Abarth and parts from Europe are stupid expensive.
Resale value might be better on the Abarth since cutesy cars like 500's and Minis have been holding their value relatively well

 

[CrazyST]

I liked the Abarth when I drove it a couple months ago. It was surprisingly good, but at 23k, it didn't stand a chance against the Focus ST( and presumably the Fiesta ST, if and when it finally gets here). Well they are really discounting the Abarth now. I can get a base version @ $19,500 with 0% financing. That makes it a whole new ballgame and I am seriously considering getting it. But I feel that I need to wait until the Fiesta ST is available. It would really suck if I get the Abarth and then drive the FiST later only to find out that the FiST is so much better and worth the extra money.

I drove the Abarth a couple months ago. Really fun, the sound is incredible, but like I wasn't convinced by the price. Then a Ford dealer called me to say they just received a Fiesta ST. I tried it and bought it immediately before someone else could try it. Also, my friend have an Abarth and even tho he admit the Fiesta ST is superior, he prefere his Abarth for the character and the sound. He said he make an evil grin each time he press on the gas pedal. Personally, I think the Fiesta give me a lot more for a similar price. More performance, better handling, more space. I mean, forcing someone to sit at the back of a Fiat 500, specially the convertible, is a crime against humanity. And I loath the uConnect system. From a bad experience I had with it in my Sebring 2010. Anyway, yeah you need to drive the ST before making a decision. Good luck.

 

[Drifter]

The Abarth handles like a shopping trolley...

 

[Tokyosmash!]

Remember, at the end of the day the Abarth is still a Fiat and has a rubbish seating position.

 

[rodmoe]

I have yet to see one on the road either cuz there is No dealers local or no market here what I have heard is a mixed bag as to quality and dealership visits which can happen with any car I guess ...

 

[cinderbike]

There's one in the parking lot at my work. It is SMALL, too small for anything other than driving to work and back. Imagine a Fiesta with the cargo area lopped off.

That said, Ford makes a similar sized car, the Ka, and it sounds like it may be coming to the US at some point (the whole global One Ford thing)... and an ST Ka would easily trounce the Abarth.

 

[Pelotonracer2]

The Abarth handles like a shopping trolley...

LOL.. good analogy!

 

[Maximum]

I cant get into the styling of the Abarth inside or out and then of course there is the pricing. It wasnt even actually on my radar at all when I settled on the Fiesta ST.

 

[c-not-k]

I liked the Abarth. I liked the styling and the sound. I agree with Tokysmash! I couldn't get as comfortable behind the wheel - too acute of an angle for my ankles. I also had blind spots around the b/c pillars.

 

[RKTFiST]

The Abarth sounds absolutely wonderful, but the seating position is upright, with seats that don't hold a candle to the Recaros in the FiST. With two less doors and a lot less length, it's also not nearly as practical.