Performance Review: Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S - [1999]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ford Fiesta Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1999. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the and the .This particular Ford Fiesta has a 1596cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The Fiesta shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Fiesta's Front Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 976 kgs (2151 lbs) this makes the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S in the same weight category as the 2014 Abarth 695 Biposto 1.4 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Fiesta shares the same bhp with the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp)

In terms of power the 1596cc 16V St4 engine produces 102 bhp (76 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp) or the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 107 lb-ft (145.0 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8L (105 lb-ft) or the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (118 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Ford Fiesta you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1984 Fiat Strada-Ritmo Abarth 125 TC (129.4 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Fiesta.

The Ford Fiesta has a Power to weight ratio of 104.5 bhp per ton and 109.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1999 Fiesta competing with the 1984 Fiat Strada-Ritmo Abarth 125 TC (129.4 bhp per ton) or the 1999 BMW X5 4.4 V8 (129.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Ford Fiesta generating around 109.6 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2013 KIA Pro Ceed GT 1.6 Turbo (134.6 lb-ft per ton) or the 1992 Subaru Legacy Turbo Estate (134.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 10.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 10.6 secs, this made the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S as fast as the 2005 Hummer H2 6.0 V8 (10.30 secs) the 1984 Audi Coupe 2.0 GT (10.30 secs) the 1971 Bentley Corniche 6.8 V8 (10.30 secs) the or the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (10.40 secs). This Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S is also faster than the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (10.40 secs) the 2007 Mazda 2 1.5 Sport (10.40 secs) the 1977 Bentley T 2 6.8 V8 (10.40 secs) the and the 1965 BMW 2000 CS (10.40 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Fiesta and the 2008 Volkswagen-VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI GT

When talking about the performance of the Ford Fiesta on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 17.17 secs @ 79.7 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2008 Volkswagen-VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI GT (17.09 secs), the 2002 Vauxhall-Opel Calibra 2.0i 16v Turbo (17.10 secs), and the 1992 Vauxhall-Opel Calibra 2.0 Turbo (17.10 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1999 version of the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S has a maximum speed of 115mph.

Top Speed of the 1999 Fiesta equals the 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4 tsi Spaceback (126 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1999 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S then how about the 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4 tsi Spaceback (126 mph), the , or the 2004 Citroen C2 1.6 VTS 3-5dr (126 mph).

Related Links:

1999 Fiesta Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison