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Hello all. I wanted to offer my opinions on the following matchup: the new Mustang V6 vs the Fiesta ST.
Some history: I've owned a MkV GTI, an AP1 S2000, an NA Miata. I bought a 2014 Mustang V6 because the timing was right and the deal was good (got a pure base model for under $19K).
I traded my 2014 Mustang V6 in for my FiST. Here's why:
1) Power delivery
Yup, the Mustang has 305HP. Yup, you can tell, when it's above 5000RPMs. The bad news? The 2.73 stock gears were AWFUL. 2nd gear takes you to 83MPH. You get to use the power exactly twice before hitting go-to-jail speeds. It had NO low-end power, and the gearing only made the problem worse. Even if you want to use the power in those upper gears, you can't because the speed limiter is set to 113MPH. The Fiesta has that fun "thrust in the back" feeling that the GTI had.
2) Handling
Don't get me wrong, the Mustang wasn't bad in this aspect. But, the Fiesta is just SO tossable. Handling feels Miata-like. Steering wheel is small and nice - very very direct. You can really, really feel the weight difference. The Mustang was HUGE.
3) 6th gear
Did I mention gearing above? It's so bad that I wanted to mention it twice. On the highway, 85MPH was under 2000 RPMs. Using cruise control at 65MPH was absolutely hopeless (unless you live in a very flat state). 4th gear was the passing gear - even 5th was slow. I drove the car like a 4-speed, using 5th once I got on the highway. The Fiesta has a useable 6th gear as low as 40MPH, and it becomes a passing gear if you're doing 50+. 6th gear in the Mustang is geared for a top speed at redline of 301MPH. The driveshaft removes itself from the car around 135MPH.
4) Features
I got base models of both cars (well, painted wheels on the Fiesta, but you get it). They were priced similarly. The FiST absolutely blows the Mustang out of the water when it comes to standard features. The Mustang had buttons on the radio that didn't work. The "SIRIUS" button reminded me that the car doesn't come with satellite radio. The "Phone" button didn't do a single thing - you'd press it all day and it just looks at you like you're stupid. The Mustang did have some cool steering modes (Comfort/Standard/Sport) and a leather wrapped wheel. The HIDs were really nice, and I wish the Fiesta came with them here. However, the Fiesta has the MFT system - I can talk to the lady and tell her what temperature to set my automatic climate control to. Bluetooth, satellite, all the buttons work... such an improvement. Oh, and the keyless entry is AWESOME. The key on the Mustang was dumb and big and stabby - probably 4" long, no sort of folding.
5) Fun factor
I liked the Mustang. It was good, on paper. It sounded fantastic after I put an exhaust on it. I LOVE the Fiesta. It's a rare thing, a lovable car. It has the same charm as those legendary cars, the S2K, Miata, GTI... this is a car that plants a smile on your face with no effort.
Other points to consider (that didn't really impact my decision):
Fuel economy - 17 avg in the Mustang vs 30 avg in the Fiesta for me
Seating - I didn't opt for the Recaros, but some people prefer them and they're impossible to find in a non-loaded Mustang. Seating position is much better in the FiST
Back seat - People who say the Fiesta's is small haven't seen the Mustang
. The Fiesta seats 5 (or at least has 5 seatbelts). If everyone in the car is under 6', there won't be any leg room issues.
Doors - I would have actually preferred 2 doors because I don't have kids, but the 4 doors isn't bad either.
So, the long and short is that the Fiesta was a better car for me. If you like the 1/4 mile and smoky burnouts, the Mustang might be the car for you. But go for the nicer models - the base model is easily outdone by its competition.
Some history: I've owned a MkV GTI, an AP1 S2000, an NA Miata. I bought a 2014 Mustang V6 because the timing was right and the deal was good (got a pure base model for under $19K).
I traded my 2014 Mustang V6 in for my FiST. Here's why:
1) Power delivery
Yup, the Mustang has 305HP. Yup, you can tell, when it's above 5000RPMs. The bad news? The 2.73 stock gears were AWFUL. 2nd gear takes you to 83MPH. You get to use the power exactly twice before hitting go-to-jail speeds. It had NO low-end power, and the gearing only made the problem worse. Even if you want to use the power in those upper gears, you can't because the speed limiter is set to 113MPH. The Fiesta has that fun "thrust in the back" feeling that the GTI had.
2) Handling
Don't get me wrong, the Mustang wasn't bad in this aspect. But, the Fiesta is just SO tossable. Handling feels Miata-like. Steering wheel is small and nice - very very direct. You can really, really feel the weight difference. The Mustang was HUGE.
3) 6th gear
Did I mention gearing above? It's so bad that I wanted to mention it twice. On the highway, 85MPH was under 2000 RPMs. Using cruise control at 65MPH was absolutely hopeless (unless you live in a very flat state). 4th gear was the passing gear - even 5th was slow. I drove the car like a 4-speed, using 5th once I got on the highway. The Fiesta has a useable 6th gear as low as 40MPH, and it becomes a passing gear if you're doing 50+. 6th gear in the Mustang is geared for a top speed at redline of 301MPH. The driveshaft removes itself from the car around 135MPH.
4) Features
I got base models of both cars (well, painted wheels on the Fiesta, but you get it). They were priced similarly. The FiST absolutely blows the Mustang out of the water when it comes to standard features. The Mustang had buttons on the radio that didn't work. The "SIRIUS" button reminded me that the car doesn't come with satellite radio. The "Phone" button didn't do a single thing - you'd press it all day and it just looks at you like you're stupid. The Mustang did have some cool steering modes (Comfort/Standard/Sport) and a leather wrapped wheel. The HIDs were really nice, and I wish the Fiesta came with them here. However, the Fiesta has the MFT system - I can talk to the lady and tell her what temperature to set my automatic climate control to. Bluetooth, satellite, all the buttons work... such an improvement. Oh, and the keyless entry is AWESOME. The key on the Mustang was dumb and big and stabby - probably 4" long, no sort of folding.
5) Fun factor
I liked the Mustang. It was good, on paper. It sounded fantastic after I put an exhaust on it. I LOVE the Fiesta. It's a rare thing, a lovable car. It has the same charm as those legendary cars, the S2K, Miata, GTI... this is a car that plants a smile on your face with no effort.
Other points to consider (that didn't really impact my decision):
Fuel economy - 17 avg in the Mustang vs 30 avg in the Fiesta for me
Seating - I didn't opt for the Recaros, but some people prefer them and they're impossible to find in a non-loaded Mustang. Seating position is much better in the FiST
Back seat - People who say the Fiesta's is small haven't seen the Mustang
. The Fiesta seats 5 (or at least has 5 seatbelts). If everyone in the car is under 6', there won't be any leg room issues.Doors - I would have actually preferred 2 doors because I don't have kids, but the 4 doors isn't bad either.
So, the long and short is that the Fiesta was a better car for me. If you like the 1/4 mile and smoky burnouts, the Mustang might be the car for you. But go for the nicer models - the base model is easily outdone by its competition.
