What To Know
- The Fiesta delivers an impressive 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, while the Spark manages 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
- While the Fiesta offers a more powerful engine and a more spacious interior, the Spark is more affordable and comes with a user-friendly infotainment system.
- The Ford Fiesta has slightly better fuel economy, delivering 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway compared to the Spark’s 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
In the bustling urban landscape, where parking spaces are scarce and fuel efficiency reigns supreme, the demand for compact and economical vehicles continues to soar. Among the most popular contenders in this segment are the Ford Fiesta and the Chevy Spark. Both cars offer a blend of affordability, practicality, and maneuverability, making them ideal choices for city dwellers. But which one emerges as the clear winner? In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Ford Fiesta against the Chevy Spark to determine which subcompact reigns supreme.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the Fiesta boasts a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. The Spark, on the other hand, features a smaller 1.4-liter engine that produces 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. While the Fiesta has a slight edge in power, both cars offer comparable acceleration and top speeds.
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for city cars. The Fiesta delivers an impressive 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, while the Spark manages 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Despite the Fiesta’s slightly higher fuel economy, the difference is negligible in real-world driving conditions.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Fiesta and Spark offer similar levels of interior space, with enough legroom and headroom for four adults. However, the Fiesta’s cabin feels slightly more spacious and airy thanks to its larger windows. Both cars feature comfortable seats with adjustable headrests, but the Fiesta’s seats provide better lumbar support for extended drives.
In terms of cargo capacity, the Fiesta has a slight advantage with 14.9 cubic feet of trunk space compared to the Spark’s 11.1 cubic feet. This extra space can come in handy for grocery runs or carrying larger items.
Technology and Features
The Fiesta and Spark come well-equipped with a range of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. However, the Fiesta offers a more comprehensive suite of technology, including a larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a navigation system.
The Spark, on the other hand, features a more user-friendly infotainment system with larger icons and a simpler layout. It also offers a few unique features, such as a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and a smartphone-based keyless entry system.
Safety Features
Both the Fiesta and Spark have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.
The Fiesta offers a few additional safety features, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The Spark, however, comes with a standard rearview camera, which is not available on the Fiesta.
Price and Value
The Ford Fiesta starts at a slightly higher price than the Chevy Spark, with a base MSRP of $16,860 compared to $14,995. However, the Fiesta offers a more comprehensive list of standard features and a more spacious interior.
The Spark, on the other hand, offers a lower entry price and a more user-friendly infotainment system. It also comes with a few unique features, such as a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
Takeaways: The Verdict
The Ford Fiesta and the Chevy Spark are both excellent choices for city dwellers looking for a compact and fuel-efficient vehicle. While the Fiesta offers a more powerful engine and a more spacious interior, the Spark is more affordable and comes with a user-friendly infotainment system. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual’s priorities and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which car has better fuel economy?
A: The Ford Fiesta has slightly better fuel economy, delivering 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway compared to the Spark’s 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which car has more interior space?
A: The Ford Fiesta has a slightly more spacious interior, with more legroom and headroom than the Chevy Spark.
Q: Which car has more technology features?
A: The Ford Fiesta offers a more comprehensive suite of technology features, including a larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a navigation system.
Q: Which car is safer?
A: Both the Ford Fiesta and Chevy Spark have received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The Fiesta offers a few additional safety features, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
Q: Which car is more affordable?
A: The Chevy Spark has a lower starting price than the Ford Fiesta.