What To Know
- The Fiesta received an overall safety rating of 5 stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, while the Polo Vivo received an overall safety rating of 4 stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.
- The Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo Vivo are priced similarly, with the Fiesta starting at $14,095 and the Polo Vivo starting at $14,495.
- Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Ford Fiesta has a reliability rating of 83 out of 100, while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo has a reliability rating of 78 out of 100.
When it comes to choosing a subcompact car, the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo Vivo are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a combination of affordability, practicality, and style, making them ideal for city dwellers and budget-conscious buyers alike. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Ford Fiesta against the Polo Vivo to determine which subcompact reigns supreme.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Fiesta and Polo Vivo offer a range of engine options, with the Fiesta boasting a slightly wider selection. The Fiesta’s base model comes with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 123 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. The Polo Vivo, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.6-liter MPI engine that generates 105 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel economy, the Fiesta has a slight edge over the Polo Vivo. The Fiesta’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine returns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, while the Polo Vivo’s 1.6-liter MPI engine achieves 27 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
Handling and Ride Quality
Both the Fiesta and Polo Vivo are known for their agile handling and responsive steering. The Fiesta’s sport-tuned suspension provides a more engaging driving experience, while the Polo Vivo’s suspension offers a smoother ride over rough roads.
Interior and Features
The Fiesta and Polo Vivo offer spacious and well-equipped interiors for their size. The Fiesta’s cabin features a modern and user-friendly dashboard, while the Polo Vivo’s interior is more traditional but still comfortable and functional.
In terms of features, the Fiesta and Polo Vivo come with a range of standard and optional amenities. Both vehicles offer air conditioning, power windows, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity. However, the Fiesta offers more advanced features, such as a sunroof, leather seats, and a premium sound system.
Safety
Both the Fiesta and Polo Vivo have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Fiesta received an overall safety rating of 5 stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, while the Polo Vivo received an overall safety rating of 4 stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.
Price and Value
The Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo Vivo are priced similarly, with the Fiesta starting at $14,095 and the Polo Vivo starting at $14,495. However, the Fiesta offers a wider range of engine options and features, making it the more value-oriented choice overall.
Verdict: Ford Fiesta
After carefully comparing the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo Vivo, we believe that the Fiesta is the better choice for most buyers. It offers a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine, a more engaging driving experience, a more spacious and well-equipped interior, and a better value proposition overall. While the Polo Vivo is a solid choice, the Fiesta simply offers more for the money.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which car has a better warranty?
The Ford Fiesta comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/72,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2. Which car is more reliable?
According to J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Ford Fiesta has a reliability rating of 83 out of 100, while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo has a reliability rating of 78 out of 100.
3. Which car has a lower cost of ownership?
The Ford Fiesta has a lower cost of ownership than the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, according to TrueCar. The Fiesta’s estimated 5-year cost of ownership is $23,931, while the Polo Vivo’s estimated 5-year cost of ownership is $25,363.