BRZ or Fiesta ST...why is BRZ better?
 

I am probably going to buy a new car in the spring. I come from 11 years of Subaru ownership, but the new WRX doesn't excite me. I have done the speed and horsepower thing and am now looking to get more into the economy and handling thing. Three cars have risen to the top so to speak...the Fiesta ST, Subaru BRZ and a distant 3rd Fiat Abarth. What I need is reasons why one is better than the other.

Check the BRZ/FRS VS threads. There are some useful info and bias opinions in there.

You may also find Chris Harris' reviews on both cars helpful. (search "Chris Harris on Cars" on youtube)

Go test drive them both and buy the one that you feel suites your needs the best. I love the Recaro seats in the Focus/Fiesta STs but still couldn't fathom spending that much money on a FWD Fiesta IMO.

They both have the plusses and minuses. I would recommend driving them back to back. What stands out to me:
- The Fiesta ST still looks like a Fiesta. I don't particularly care for the looks and it sits up quite a bit higher than a BRZ. It has that tall and narrow look to it whereas the BRZ has a low and wide look.
- Interior of the Ford still feels more like a compact economy car than a true sports car.
- RWD vs FWD. This one is an endless debate, but this is something need to validate for yourself. I personally prefer RWD cars typically to FWD, and this was apparent to me when I test drove a Focus ST last week. There is just so much power being put on the front wheels and Ford tries too hard to use computers to control that power. In the end the steering was very precise in the Focus, but it felt very artificial.
- Aside from sitting in a Fiesta ST and looking at it, I did not drive it, but I have to think Ford is using similar technology in the Fiesta to control torque steer and handling.
- I would also consider resale value if you don't plan on keeping the car more than 3-5 years. Ford is notorious for dropping massive rebates on their cars and that forces massive depreciation. This has always turned me off about Ford, GM, and Chrysler.

I cross shopped both, though I ended up buying my BRZ before I could test drive a Fiesta ST. The deal breaker for me was when I read that the Fiesta would have a solid rear axle and no independent rear suspension. Like you I went from 2 WRX ' s and wanted less compromise on handling. Still, with a kid it would be nice to have rear doors.

Rear. Wheel. Drive.

/end of discussion

Sports cars don't have 4 doors...the back seat makes the BRZ questionable, but I give it a pass on that :)

Fiat has zero appeal to me.

I haven't driven a Fiesta, but the BRZ owns bones. I know the recent Ford hot hatches have been more interesting than your average FWD hot hatch, but having come out of a hot hatch I can't see how a FWD car could be as fun as the BRZ. RWD + LSD = that awesome feeling where you get the car turned in, roll onto the throttle and feel the car tuck in and the nose points through the corner... so addictive, and so much more fun than playing the FWD game of waiting until you can use power again every time you turn in.

Drive both and see what you prefer. If you're not a canyon addict like me you might even find the Fiesta more fun, or you might have "real life" considerations that just make a hatch a better choice. They are super practical and it's nice to have something that is super versatile, yet can hold its own on a winding road on the weekend. Personally I feel like the BRZ is versatile enough for me, but I don't have a family or lots of things to move around during the week.

1. BRZ has the Fiesta beat on handling. Weight distribution, centre of gravity, wheelbase, rwd
2. I got 40 mpg average on a trip to Maine in my BRZ.

I have a FRS, and the GF has a Focus ST. I drive both regularly. Our Ford is an ST3, so it has the all leather recaros, HID's, my ford touch, etc. Due to the time frame that we bought it and also the X plan pricing, the focus ended up cheaper than the FRS.

Keep in mind my previous car was an Evo X (and before that, an Evo VIII) so I'm a bit more power oriented than most owner's on this site.

If you are going to have one car, I would suggest the Fiesta. It has good power, actual room for storage (it is not really possible for us to even transport our dog in the FRS), lots of tech (plus for us), and should get good gas mileage (though our Focus never comes close to its EPA sticker estimates)

Driving the Ford everyday though, I would say that the FRS feels a lot more "special" to drive everyday. It's seating position, exhaust note (I have the Berk dual exit), steering and shifter are better than the Ford. Still, when it comes to actually use the car everyday (say, in a snow storm), I would always grab the Ford's keys before the FRS.

I would drive both and see which one you prefer. I for one do not go with the RWD>>all else that seems so common on this forum. Yes, RWD is fun, but so are many FWD or AWD cars. Try both and see what you prefer.

It's as Simple as this, if life is so bad that you feel like giving up then buy the Ford Fiesta. If you still have a heart beat and value enjoying life then you should buy the BRZ. ;)

Cheers,

-Nate

Um, it's a Ford? Why would you want one?

Because race car.

The end.
:burnrubber: