The 2014-2018 Ford Fiesta ST has received rave reviews from both owners and automobile journalists alike for its fun-to-drive and balanced handling capabilities. How does the Fiesta ST compare to the GD1 Fit in terms of fun-to-drive and handling? Of course, the Fiesta has much more power (197 hp vs 108 hp) and much better seats (Recaro!). But can the GD1 Fit hold a candle to the Fiesta ST?

 

If you’re in the US/Canada it’s a GD3, not GD1.

The Fiesta is fine. I prefer the Fit. Both are good cars.

 

Not sure about the GD1, but we cross shopped the Fiesta ST (FiST) to our current GK5.
We really wanted the FiST, but the lime green one we wanted had clutch issues that the Ford dealer was fumbling to repair (prior to our ownership).
After nearly two weeks without a car, we reluctantly gave up hope with the FiST and proceeded with the purchase of our Majestic Yellow GK5.
Aside from the hp and handling, it was the Recaro seats that was the hardest thing to forgo (if anyone has an aftermarket idea of comparable seats for the GK5, please let me know).

Based on test drive, curb appeal and overall package, the FiST is the better car. Sure, many will say that being a Honda will make it more reliable, but I'm finding that reliability is a wash (the same)
The GK5 we ended up with has full warranty until Oct 2023, which was a nice perk for us as I've had to take advantage of a few issues that seem to be common.

Overall if I had to do the purchase again, I'd be more willing to hold out for a better FiST than the one we were considering.
Everything you could want is already baked-into the final package.
Whereas with the GK5, I'm having to spend thousands and months of time waiting for upgrades to get it to a comparable level of enjoyment as the FiST.

YMMV

 

I upgraded my base 07 Fit with the 15" Rota lightweight alloy wheels with 195/50/15 tires and Honda HFP muffler. It really handled well and was a blast to drive- except for the fact that it was way too underpowered.
The only thing that is holding me back from getting the Fiesta ST is the limited cargo space. With the seat backs down it has 29 cuft of space whereas the Fit had something like 43 cuft. The Fit was able to hold most bikes without having to remove the front wheel (I do a lot of mountain biking and road cycling). But based on what I've read in the forums, the front wheel needs to be removed in order to be able to fit a bike in a Fiesta ST.

 

Idk I mean , the fiesta has good stats , but does it feel as much as a go kart as a fit? Not in my opinion 😂 fun factor = Fit > Fiesta

 

I test drove the '15 Fiesta ST and it did not disappoint. It was a blast to drive and the Recaro seats were WAY better than the Fit seats. I was able to fit (barely) a 23" road bike in the trunk without removing the front wheel. I'm seriously considering the Fiesta ST as my next car. It's too bad that Honda didn't make a Fit Type RS.

 

I knew a Ford tech at one of my old jobs. He said the 4 banger ecoboosts had a decent chance of chugging coolant and puking head gaskets. He personally had a Fusion with I believe the 1,6T where it happened to him. They're definitely not on par with Honda overall with reliability. Certainly not when it comes to ease of maintenance either. That being said, there are some things Ford does do better. I used to own a 13 Focus SE 5 speed with the Sony sound system. And that was easily the best performing factory sound system in any car I've owned. And as someone who loves to blast metal, a good stereo is a big plus for any car I look at. And the Focus was very competent in corners despite coming in at a portly 3100 lbs. I've driven Fiestas as well and they handle even better. The ST is a riot to drive. I almost considered one, but the head gasket woes and the fact that they require 91 octane made me reconsider (I used to own a Mazdaspeed 3. Fun car, but the 93 octane (91 isn't very common where I live) got very expensive very quickly. And this was BEFORE gas prices spiked. Looks like I made the right call there).

The added power in a small and practical package would definitely be a plus if not for my lead right foot. I have no problem breaking speed limits with just the 130HP in my GK5.

 

Good luck finding a decent one. I'm on the west coast (nicer climate) and they are already drying up out here!

We also had out sights set on a green Fiesta ST.
My GF was uber cheesed that we didn't get it (she instantly fell in love with the factory Recaros), while I loved everything else about it.

The deal with the dealership went sour when they weren't able to fix a throwout bearing noise in time.
I'd just sold our red Lexus IS350, and was reduced to driving my 88 325is on collector plates...so I depended on getting the Fiesta ST.

Reluctantly we went with the yellow FIT from another dealership...I was also disappointed until I realized the FIT had 3 years of Hondacare warranty from the original owner until Oct 2023, this was in Oct 2020.
Out the door we paid 16k. As of now the selling price on comparable FITs is 22-24k.
I'd say we did ok overall

 

You have the mystic yellow pearl too I see. I thought I overpaid spending $14k for mine. Didn't get a warranty on mine, granted being that I'm a Honda technician, I don't really need one. Could've gotten one a bit cheaper, but most were silver, gray, or black, which I didn't want. Plus I specifically wanted an LX since I don't like push button start. And all the really high mileage ones going for cheap were EXs.

 

The color has really grown on us. Especially living in the PNW, it really stands out (in a good way).
I think we also lucked out with ours as well, as it's also an LX (no push button start or electric HVAC system) but it still has sunroof, heated seats, regular key system and 6 speed stick.

 

One of the reasons I bought mine specifically was the color. It was the only non grayscale LX manual I could find. And even though I live by DC, I had to drive to Pennsylvania to get it.

I also hate keyless ignition, and I also can't stand that on the higher trims, the hatch uses an electrical release instead of the mechanical one on the LX. Only things I'd get from the upper trims are the slightly better sound system and fog lights. And I already have a set of OEM fog lights I'm gonna eventually retrofit.

 

What sound system is on the lower trim level?
I thought they all had a 6 speaker setup (2 tweeters in the dash, and one full range 6.5 full range in each door).

 

I was under the impression that the tweeters were only on the higher trims. I could be wrong though. Perhaps I'll check tomorrow after work. Too cold out to do it now.