2009 Ford Fiesta Titanium vs. 2009 Honda Fit Sport Comparison Test Video

2009 Ford Fiesta Titanium vs. 2009 Honda Fit Sport Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 01, 2009

3:32 min

In the Ford Fiest Titanium vs Honda Fit Sport Video, Inside Line puts a European-market Ford Fiesta against this market's standard bearer for economy hatchbacks: the 2009 Honda Fit.

2009 Ford Fiesta Titanium vs. 2009 Honda Fit Sport Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 01, 2009

3:32 min

It used to be that cute bodywork and a fuel- sipping engine were all that was required in a successful subcompact - nice try, Smart Fortwo.

But that simple formula just doesn't cut it anymore. Today's econobox has to be flexible, loaded with features and reasonably fun to drive.

The Honda's Fit has been the go-to subcompact for frugal Americans in the past couple years, but now there’s a new car from Europe that’s soon headed our way – the Ford Fiesta.

In the mean time, we snagged this Squeeze Lime green Euro-spec Fiesta four-door hatchback in its top trim level to see how it stacks up against the our beloved and recently redesigned Fit.

When it comes to driving dynamics, both cars are somewhat nimble. But the Fit feels nervous and the shift linkage almost flimsy. By comparison the Ford is confident, has firm yet compliant suspension and offers superior steering feel.

Slalom speed is similar for both cars, although the Fiesta is hampered by a stability control system that can’t be switched off .

The Fiesta also stops shorter than the Fit by a fairly wide margin. Traction control that can’t be turned off hurts the Fiesta as it runs from 0-60 in 9.4 seconds — again we’re sure the car can do better. The Fit is only a tenth of a second behind.

But clinical acceleration numbers are a bit misleading. In the real world the Ford is much more eager than the Honda. Low-end torque is surprisingly ample in the Fiesta’s 1.6-liter engine, and this four-cylinder also runs quite smoothly. Everyday driving also reveals that the Fit has to work a lot harder to keep up.

The real downer here is that our European Fiesta essentially runs on premium fuel, and that’s just not going to work for U.S. buyers looking to save a buck. Let’s hope this is one of the few changes Ford makes for the U.S version.  

What the Fit lacks in precision and performance it makes up for in utility, thanks to wide door openings and a low, flat cargo floor. Once you’re inside, the Fit’s breezier cabin has more elbow room while both headroom and legroom are better than the Fiesta, too.

We don’t have an accurate way of comparing price or equipment head to head because this is a European model.  Our estimate is that this top of the line Fiesta would carry an as-tested price of  $19,358. Of course, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to buy a Fiesta exactly like this one with leather, keyless entry and automatic climate control.

Still, it’s the 2009 Ford Fiesta that emerges victorious in this comparison because Ford sweats the details. Like the way the steering wheel feels custom made for your hands or the unexpected steering feel and soothing engine note. In the Fiesta, Ford has elevated the subcompact to more than just a cute car with a small engine. The Ford Fiesta is special; it’s a car you’d actually choose to drive, not one forced on you by your budget.