What To Know
- The Ford Fiesta is a stylish car in its own right, but the ST Line takes things up a notch with its sporty design cues.
- The Ford Fiesta is known for its fuel efficiency, with the base S trim achieving an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
- The Fiesta offers a balance of affordability, fuel efficiency, and comfort, while the ST Line adds a touch of sportiness to the mix.
The Ford Fiesta is a popular subcompact car known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and nimble handling. In recent years, Ford has introduced the ST Line trim to its Fiesta lineup, offering a sportier look and enhanced performance without the full-blown ST treatment. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of the Ford Fiesta vs ST Line to help you decide which one is the right choice for your needs.
Performance: Power and Handling
The standard Ford Fiesta is powered by a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for everyday driving, it doesn’t offer much excitement.
The ST Line, on the other hand, gets a slightly more powerful 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine that generates 125 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a noticeable boost in acceleration and responsiveness, making the ST Line more fun to drive.
In terms of handling, both the Fiesta and ST Line feature a McPherson strut front suspension and a twist-beam rear suspension. However, the ST Line benefits from stiffer springs and dampers, as well as a thicker anti-roll bar, which improve cornering stability and reduce body roll.
Styling: Sporty vs Subtle
The Ford Fiesta is a stylish car in its own right, but the ST Line takes things up a notch with its sporty design cues. The ST Line features a unique front bumper with a honeycomb grille, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a spoiler. These elements give the ST Line a more aggressive and aerodynamic appearance.
Inside, the ST Line offers a sportier cabin with Recaro seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The standard Fiesta, on the other hand, has a more understated and comfortable interior.
Features: Standard and Optional
The Ford Fiesta comes with a generous list of standard features, including air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. The ST Line adds some exclusive features, such as 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and a sport-tuned exhaust system.
Both the Fiesta and ST Line offer a range of optional features, including navigation, heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a rearview camera.
Price: Value for Money
The Ford Fiesta starts at around $14,000 for the base S trim. The ST Line is priced slightly higher, starting at around $17,000 for the ST-Line trim. The higher price of the ST Line reflects its more powerful engine, sportier styling, and enhanced handling.
Fuel Economy: Efficiency Comparison
The Ford Fiesta is known for its fuel efficiency, with the base S trim achieving an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The ST Line, with its more powerful engine, sacrifices some fuel economy, but it still manages to get an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the Ford Fiesta and ST Line depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient and affordable subcompact car with a comfortable and well-equipped interior, the standard Fiesta is an excellent option.
If you value performance and sporty styling, the ST Line is worth considering. It offers a more powerful engine, improved handling, and a more aggressive appearance. However, be prepared to pay a bit more for these upgrades.
Final Thoughts
Both the Ford Fiesta and ST Line are solid choices in the subcompact car segment. The Fiesta offers a balance of affordability, fuel efficiency, and comfort, while the ST Line adds a touch of sportiness to the mix. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your priorities and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Ford Fiesta ST Line faster than the standard Fiesta?
A: Yes, the Ford Fiesta ST Line is faster than the standard Fiesta thanks to its more powerful turbocharged engine.
Q: Does the Ford Fiesta ST Line have a stiffer suspension?
A: Yes, the Ford Fiesta ST Line has a stiffer suspension compared to the standard Fiesta, which improves handling and reduces body roll.
Q: Is the Ford Fiesta ST Line more expensive than the standard Fiesta?
A: Yes, the Ford Fiesta ST Line is priced slightly higher than the standard Fiesta due to its more powerful engine, sportier styling, and enhanced handling.
Q: Does the Ford Fiesta ST Line have a sunroof?
A: A panoramic sunroof is available as an optional feature on both the Ford Fiesta and ST Line.
Q: What is the fuel economy of the Ford Fiesta ST Line?
A: The Ford Fiesta ST Line gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.