Clash of the subcompacts: ford fiesta vs nissan versa showdown
What To Know
- It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is offered as an option.
- The Versa excels in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than the Fiesta in both the front and rear seats.
- It also offers a variety of available features such as a sunroof, leather seats, and a premium audio system.
When it comes to budget-friendly subcompact cars, the Ford Fiesta and Nissan Versa are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a combination of affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, making them ideal for city dwellers and commuters. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Ford Fiesta against the Nissan Versa in various categories to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Styling
Ford Fiesta: The Fiesta boasts a sleek and sporty design with sharp lines and an aggressive front grille. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces, and its stylish interior features premium materials and comfortable seating.
Nissan Versa: The Versa, on the other hand, presents a more conservative and practical design. It has a boxy shape that maximizes interior space, and its interior is simple and functional. While not as visually appealing as the Fiesta, the Versa offers a more spacious and utilitarian cabin.
Performance and Handling
Ford Fiesta: The Fiesta is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, with an optional six-speed automatic transmission available. The Fiesta’s handling is agile and responsive, making it fun to drive in both urban and highway conditions.
Nissan Versa: The Versa is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is offered as an option. The Versa’s handling is adequate for city driving, but it feels less engaging than the Fiesta on twisty roads.
Fuel Efficiency
Ford Fiesta: The Fiesta is known for its excellent fuel economy. With its standard manual transmission, it achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The automatic transmission slightly reduces fuel efficiency to 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Nissan Versa: The Versa offers comparable fuel efficiency to the Fiesta. Its manual transmission model achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The CVT transmission improves fuel efficiency to 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space and Comfort
Ford Fiesta: Despite its compact size, the Fiesta offers surprisingly spacious seating for four adults. The front seats provide ample legroom and headroom, and the rear seats are comfortable for short trips. The trunk space is limited to 15.4 cubic feet, which is smaller than some competitors.
Nissan Versa: The Versa excels in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than the Fiesta in both the front and rear seats. It also boasts a cavernous trunk with a capacity of 15.2 cubic feet, making it more suitable for hauling cargo.
Technology and Features
Ford Fiesta: The Fiesta comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also offers a variety of available features such as a sunroof, leather seats, and a premium audio system.
Nissan Versa: The Versa’s infotainment system is a bit smaller at 5.8 inches, but it also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Versa offers similar available features to the Fiesta, including a sunroof, leather seats, and a premium audio system.
Safety and Reliability
Ford Fiesta: The Fiesta has received good safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a variety of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Nissan Versa: The Versa has also received good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. It comes standard with similar safety features to the Fiesta, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Pricing and Value
Ford Fiesta: The Fiesta has a starting price of around $16,000 for the base S trim level. The top-of-the-line Titanium trim level starts at around $21,000. The Fiesta offers a good value for its price, providing a combination of style, performance, and features.
Nissan Versa: The Versa has a lower starting price than the Fiesta, at around $15,000 for the base S trim level. The top-of-the-line SR trim level starts at around $18,000. The Versa offers a more spacious and practical cabin, but it may not be as fun to drive as the Fiesta.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Ford Fiesta and Nissan Versa are both excellent subcompact cars with their own strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize style, performance, and fuel efficiency, the Fiesta is a great choice. If you need more interior space, practicality, and a lower price, the Versa is a better option. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual preferences and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which car has a better infotainment system?
A: The Ford Fiesta and Nissan Versa both offer comparable infotainment systems with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Fiesta’s system is slightly larger at 6.5 inches compared to the Versa’s 5.8-inch display.
Q: Which car is more fun to drive?
A: The Ford Fiesta is generally considered to be more fun to drive than the Nissan Versa due to its more agile handling and responsive steering.
Q: Which car has a lower cost of ownership?
A: The Nissan Versa typically has a lower cost of ownership than the Ford Fiesta due to its lower starting price and comparable fuel efficiency.