2011 Mazda 2 vs 2011 Ford Fiesta December 6, 2009 AUTORIVALS.NET
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Along with the Ford Fiesta, the Mazda 2 will be offered in America for the first time increasing the subcompact hatchback segment even further. It uses the same layout as Ford and others in this segment with a small fuel efficient engine powering a small five-door hatchback body.
2011 Mazda 2 vs 2011 Ford Fiesta
Each car has each manufacturer's new face. The Mazda 2 wears the same smiley face as the rest of Mazda's lineup while the Fiesta wears the trapezoidal grille of other Fords. Both iterations look better than some of Mazda's and Ford's other models, particularly the 2. The friendly smile makes more sense on a subcompact hatchback than say, a performance-oriented hatchback like the Mazdaspeed 3.
The Mazda 2's body panels are more fluid than the Fiesta which has stronger character lines making it more aggressive. Both designs look fantastic and should help the subcompact hatchback segment gain even more popularity.
Both designs have a unique window shape where the beltline flows downward toward the front. It creates a sportier and more interesting design. The rear of the 2 is slightly more raked than the Fiesta giving it a shorter look. It eliminates the small window in the rear that the Fiesta has and has three pillars instead of four like the Ford.
The rear hatchback of the 2 is especially well-done with a window that is angled on the bottom toward the center instead of flat like the Fiesta. The Fiesta however puts the license plate on the hatchback which looks better than on the bumper like the 2. Both taillights look good with the 2 being a little more subtle design-wise. Overall, the Mazda has a cleaner design while the Ford has a sportier character. Both look good enough to succeed well here in America like they have across the world.
SPECIFICATIONS
PRICE: $13,980 - $15,435
ENGINE: 1.5L I4
HORSEPOWER: 100 hp
TORQUE: 98 lb-ft
SIZE (L x W x H): 155.5 x 66.7 x 58.1 in.
CURB WEIGHT: 2,306 lbs.
0-60 MPH: 9.0 - 10.9 sec
0-100 MPH:   39.0 sec (Automatic)
1/4 MILE: 18.0 sec @ 75 mph (Automatic)
TOP SPEED: 103 mph
ROADHOLDING: 0.85 g
CARGO CAPACITY:   13.3 - 27.8 cu.ft.
FUEL (City/Hwy): 29 / 35 mpg
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SPECIFICATIONS
Hatchback Specifications Only
PRICE: $15,120 - $17,120
ENGINE: 1.6L I4
HORSEPOWER: 119 hp
TORQUE: 109 lb-ft
SIZE (L x W x H): 160.1 x 66.8 x 58.0 in.
CURB WEIGHT: 2,537 lbs.
0-60 MPH: 8.7 - 9.2 sec
0-100 MPH:   29.5 sec (Automatic)
1/4 MILE: 17.0 sec @ 81 mph (Automatic)
TOP SPEED: 119 mph
ROADHOLDING: 0.81 g
CARGO CAPACITY:   15.4 - 26.0 cu.ft.
FUEL (City/Hwy): 28-29 / 37-40 mpg
RECAP RECAP

PROS
+Cleaner design
+Best iteration of the smiley face look
+Angular rear window on hatchback

CONS
-It took way too long to get here
-Down on power but not fun

PROS
+More aggressive design
+Curved headlights
+Creased side and pronounced fender flares

CONS
-It took way too long to get here
-With options, it can get pricey
Video Source: YouTube via 5th Gear Video Source: YouTube via Top Gear
NOTES
One thing to note of both cars are cargo capacity. The reigning leader in this segment is the Honda Fit with a cargo capacity ranging from 20.6 cubic feet (with the seats up) to 57.3 cubic feet (with the seats down). That's a substantial amount more space than both the Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta.

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