New 2011 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Honda Fit

Right now, two of the top-ranking compact cars available are the new 2011 Ford Fiesta and the 2010 Honda Fit. The Fiesta is all-new, and seriously threatens to win over drivers who previously found the Honda Fit to be the best vehicle in its class. Compare the new 2011 Ford Fiesta to the 2010 Honda Fit to determine which vehicle is best suited for you.

Styling - New 2011 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Honda Fit

Both the Honda Fit and the Ford Fiesta boast a progressive exterior design. It should be noted that the Fiesta is available as either a sedan or hatchback, while the Fit only comes in hatchback form. If you prefer a slightly more conservative look, then the Fiesta sedan may be the best choice. Otherwise, you'll see a lot of similarities in the two hatchback competitors - a fact which may make it difficult to choose a favorite.

Inside, both vehicles offer an impressive value and contemporary styling. Of the two, the Fiesta delivers a slightly better build quality.

Features - New 2011 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Honda Fit

The Honda Fit starts with more base features (AC, stereo, CD player, MP3 input, tilt wheel and speed-sensitive volume control) then the Ford Fiesta. However, it also comes with a higher price tag ($14,900 compared to the Fiesta's $13,320). As such, if you can get by with just the AC, stereo and MP3 input (no CD player), then the base Fiesta will be your best value. However, you should note that the standard Fiesta is only available with the sedan body style. To get the hatchback, you can expect to pay at least $15,120.

Review Ford Fiesta prices and Honda Fit prices for different models.

Upper-tier models of the Ford Fiesta boast standard SYNC technology - a unique feature that allows drivers to control the stereo and Bluetooth-enabled cell phones with voice commands. In contrast, the Honda Fit is one of the only compact vehicles available that offers GPS navigation.

Interior Room - New 2011 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Honda Fit

Both models offer good interior comfort given the small vehicle category. Front seats are unlikely to yield complaints, and taller passengers are fairly well accommodated in the rear. If packing in rear passengers is important to you, then the Honda Fit wins out with a slightly larger rear seat.

The Fit also offers more trunk space. The Fiesta offers a maximum of 26 cubic feet of storage space. This is accomplished with the rear seat folded down. Sadly, storage is hindered by the fact that the backseat does not fold flat. In contrast, the Fit's rear seat folds down to provide 57 cubic feet of space. The widely touted 'Magic Seat' also provides different configurations for more versatile storage options.

Performance - New 2011 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Honda Fit

Engine power is comparable for the two vehicles - the Honda Fit offers 117 horsepower while the Fiesta delivers 120 horsepower. While both offer zippy acceleration and good handling, the dual-clutch automated manual transmission available on the Fiesta may be the best setup for those wanting a little extra oomph.

Opt for the dual-clutch manual, and the Fiesta delivers an impressive 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. In contrast, the Honda Fit offers a maximum of 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

For a more in-depth performance comparison, check out Ford Fiesta specifications and Honda Fit specifications.

Safety - New 2011 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Honda Fit

While both models offer good safety, the Ford Fiesta wins out in the category. Standard safety features for the Fit include anti-lock disc brakes, six airbags and active front head restraints. The Fiesta adds stability control, traction control and a seventh driver's knee airbag (the only compact to offer this feature). Upper-tier models of the Fit add stability control.




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