I was using the online configuration tool, and saw that the Fiesta comes with a sport package but the Mazda appears to lack one. This had me curious; why doesn't the Zoom Zoom company have a sport package for their little car?
I'm seriously debating selling both Neons and my Golf and picking up one of these two.
Brett
Actually, same question, different slant- WRT the B-Spec rules- will any of the interested OEM's come out with packages that people can get?
(perhaps Mazda will, and you can swap??? Otherwise, the fiesta is a fine, fine choice.... 
)
In reply to Brett_Murphy:
perhaps the mazda version already has a bit sportier suspension to begin with, which may or may not be equivalent to the fiesta sport package?
I like the Fiesta... I was really afraid that Ford was going to ruin it.
Shame they seem to be ruining the Mazda 2
In reply to Strizzo:
That is along the lines of what I was thinking, but I'm hoping that somebody here knows for sure.
If only the Fiesta was available in Velocity Green...
The Mazda should be sportier considering it gets worse gas mileage.
EDIT: Doesn't look like there really is much difference in mileage when comparing manual transmission models. Guess I could've googled then posted instead of posting then googling, but this wouldn't be the internet if it weren't for people passing off faulty opinions as fact.
I would drive both and see which one you like. Are the Fiestas with the sports package available? Last time I went to the local dealer to look at them, there were many with the automatic, and limite numbers with manuals. Not sure about the sports package.
The base package Mazda2 is the sport package. The uprated model (for either model, really) offers more baubles, but no more performance. (Though I admit I miss having cruise control.)
I'll save weight everywhere I can, which was the big reason I picked the 2 over the Fiesta in the first place.
It's fun to autocross, even with no "official project car" potential. I'll be making a few choice upgrades anyway.
Re: Fuel economy- For what it's worth, I'm beating the hell out of EPA estimates. Worst in-town tank was 30.7, best tank so far has been 38...and I don't hypermile. Not as good as the Hyundai, but I'm very very happy with my Mazda2. YMMV.
After talking to Tom at the Mitty, I'm a little sad I didn't test drive the 2 before buying the Fit, though CC was an absolute must, so I'd have gone for the big pimpy trim . Fiesta never really factored into the equation.
That's killer mileage, Tom. Best tank has been 34.8, and oddly, that included laps around Road Atlanta. Worst tank was the last one at 31.2. This was the "Let me drive this f*cker in anger the entire tank and see if it's worth trying to get 35" tank. It is not worth working for 35.
We have had our 2 for almost 2 weeks and it is a blast to drive. It always surprises me how quick it is. SWMBO is even thinking about autocrossing it.
poopshovel wrote: After talking to Tom at the Mitty, I'm a little sad I didn't test drive the 2 before buying the Fit, though CC was an absolute must, so I'd have gone for the big pimpy trim
After moving from a 3rd floor apartment, I really missed the "incredible container of stuff" aspect of the Fit. The ability of the Fit to swallow massive objects is impressive, and the M2 is zero competition in that aspect.
Wait for the 2012 Hyundai Accent.
How competive is the 2? Like how far off of mazda 3 and Mini lap times is it?
I'm really excited by the idea of combining my Miata + pointiac vibe into something that does both things well (I have the MG and a Motorcycle for the top down but the Vibe is no sporty car). However I'd like that car to be at least semi competive in it's Autox class.
@ Rickybobby- I've been hearing that for years, and got tired of waiting. I'm sure it will be good, time will tell how good.
@ nocones- You should look at the February issue where we tested the Mazda2 against the MINI and the Honda CR-Z. In that test, the 2 was .5 seconds behind the MINI and .3 ahead of the CR-Z. Missed it? Click here to fix that.
Depending on the course and the driver, I don't feel like I'm missing much. What the 2 gives up in punch it takes back in weight. Off the top of my head, I don't know anything else on dealer lots that's under 2300 lbs.
The Fiesta sport package consists of alloy wheels,stock width, and a spoiler on the sedan and cruise control. Whoopee. FR has a nice supension package consisting of spring,struts and shocks. and only $300. Steeda has a rear anti-roll bar. The spoiler is standard on the hatch.
It would be interesting to see if the Fiesta suspension will bolt right up to the Mazda. It'll also be interesting to see if Mazdaspeed does anything for the car, or what the Sky engine will bring to the table.
If I do go this route, I'll be going Mazda, since there is no way I can justify not getting a car that nifty shade of green.
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