Fiesta vs Mazda2

I was wondering if there was any difference in the way these two cars drive? I know they are pretty much twins under the skin. A new car will be in order soon and the Mazda2 or Ecoboost Fiesta are by far the top two choices. I have driven most of the other cars in that segment except the Fiesta.

I drove an auto Fiesta and a manual 2 and loved the 2 and found the Fiesta not nearly as tossable, and the 2 had a bigger interior. The 2 has a lot less weight and it is noticeable. However, with the 2 not coming back next year and the awesomeness of the ecoboost Fiesta, I might lean that way.

I haven't driven a fiesta, just to make that clear. If you go shopping for Fiesta suspension, the first upgrade you can buy from ford is the Fiesta Handling Pack. It is widely believed that this is the same as the stock suspension on the 2.

I drove both, and the Mazda2 is much more fun. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is, but it feels zipier, more tossable, more fun. I guess it's the weight? The Fiesta feels like the last generation Focus, while the Mazda2 feels like an A2 Golf GTI.

I enjoy the Mazda 2, such a fun lil car. I would love to own one. Compared to the focus like previously mentioned it feels more "zippier".

Isn't the answer a 2 with the Fiesta's bigger motor?

We test drove both as a possible replacement for the wife, and with an auto, the Fiesta was better. However, with a manual, I will have the 2, ps and qs.

I dislike the ford interior (mostly the dash) but it has better highway power.

Ecoboost fiesta is above and beyond a mazda2 though.

I will also be the first to admit that the 2 sport without cruise is a fatiguing highway cruiser. 3k rpm's at 75 for a few hours wears on you.

There's a good 200lbs. difference in curb weight -- the Mazda is lighter as alluded to above. I've driven both - the Fiesta is quieter, more refined; the Mazda more tossable, noisier.

I would be buying the Mazda2 Touring if I got the Mazda2 cause I like cruise control. I can live without A/C but not cruise control.

In reply to mazdeuce:

Coming from every other 4 cylinder I have owned the 2 has a GREAT highway gear. The exhaust is a little droney though.

In reply to 93EXCivic:

I think the real difference between the ecoboost Fiesta and the 2 will be price. I bet that you can grab a 2 Touring for 1K+ off sticker and the fiesta ecoboost will probably be significantly closer to 20K (I am betting base of 17.5, for over 18 with destination).

Also holy crap the Ford Racing Fiesta handling kit is cheap. I know what would happen as soon as I bought the car.

In reply to singleslammer:

I don't know. From what I am seeing it is basically a $1k option in Europe so I am hoping it is more like that cause $18k is getting awfully close to where I thought the ST was going to be price.

singleslammer wrote: However, with the 2 not coming back next year

Now that's a shame, but I can kinda understand considering that my local dealer (which I assume to be representative of the dealer population in general) ONLY has automatic 2s on the lot. What a waste.

In reply to ReverendDexter:

That is cause the auto sucks. I can't believe Mazda strapped a new car with a 4 speed auto. I think that is one of those "on paper" things that a lot of new car buyers look at. "Well the Kia/Ford/Chevy all of more gears so they must be better." Also, they released a car with no Tech (I like this) in a world where the base everything has as much tech as a 10 year old 3 series. Come to think of it, that was probably the main problem. Anyway, the 2 sold pretty well in my area but that is most likely cause it is cheap and cute.

I like my Fiesta

In reply to singleslammer:

Yeah, that's what I was basically implying; where I believe the 2 shines is when it's paired with a proper 3-pedal gearbox; I can't imagine the automatic-equipped 2 is anything but soul-sucking.

Though, I also think a huge sales issue was parking 2s next to SkyActiv 3s, which have a better EPA rating for highway mileage. I just don't see the typical new car buying American electing for a smaller, less featured, lower-hp, worse-mileage car to save $30/month on their car payment.

I rather like my 2. Fun and zippy without a lot of electronic toys I don't need. I'd imagine they auto equipped two is not nearly as fun though.

In reply to ReverendDexter:

Yep. I will officially get off my soapbox now.

Edit: Where the Hell is my Skyactiv 2???

I suppose a Skyactiv 2 would get away from the bare bones essentials only character of the car. It is really DIY friendly as is. Rather like a 90s car.

How soon before a car comes out do the manufacturers generally release pricing? The pricing of the Ecoboost Fiesta will also be a deciding factor.

singleslammer wrote: In reply to mazdeuce: Coming from every other 4 cylinder I have owned the 2 has a GREAT highway gear. The exhaust is a little droney though.

BullE36 M3.

whats your highway speeds by you 60-65? Then yes.

Here in Michigan its 70mph speed limits and 80mph is safe enough to drive past police waiting on the turnarounds with their speed guns without having you to worry about getting pulled over.

My old B5 audi wagon that had 2 extra drive gears and 1200 more lbs got 27-28 highway going 80, the mazda2 get 23-25 at that speed. 80mph is about 3700rpm in 5th*

***winter tires and winter fuel currently, summer gets about 4mpg better

The 2 certainly spins pretty fast on the highway - oddly the 3 I test drove did exactly the same rpms too.