Performance Review: Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S - [2005]

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 2005. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2006 Caparo T1 2.4 V8 and the 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16.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 1110 kgs (2447 lbs) this makes the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S in the same weight category as the 2020 Lotus Exige Sport 410 Roadster 3.5 V6 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 99 bhp (73 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 108 lb-ft (146.4 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 1956 BMW 507 3.2 V8 (114.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Fiesta.

The Ford Fiesta has a Power to weight ratio of 89.1 bhp per ton and 97.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2005 Fiesta competing with the 1956 BMW 507 3.2 V8 (114.0 bhp per ton) or the 2004 Citroen C2 1.6 VTS 3-5dr (113.8 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 97.2 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 1976 Jensen GT 2.0 16v (122.1 lb-ft per ton) or the 1986 Audi 100 2.2 Turbo Quattro (122.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 9.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 10.0 secs, this made the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S as fast as the 1996 BMW 3 Series 318is 4d Saloon E46 (9.70 secs) the 1994 Peugeot 106 Rallye (9.70 secs) the 1984 Peugeot 604 GTi 2.8 V6 (9.70 secs) the or the 1977 Ford Cortina MKV 2.3 Ghia (9.70 secs). This Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S is also faster than the 2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8L (9.80 secs) the 1980 Ford Mustang M81 Mclaren 2.3 Turbo (9.80 secs) the 1979 Ford Mustang Cobra 2.3 V6 Turbo (9.80 secs) the and the 1979 Volvo 242 GT 2.3 (9.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Fiesta and the 2006 BMW 3 Series 330ci E46/2

When talking about the performance of the Ford Fiesta on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 18.05 secs @ 75.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2006 BMW 3 Series 330ci E46/2 (17.98 secs), the 1963 Maserati Quattroporte AM 107 4.1 V8 (17.99 secs), and the 2009 Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP 200 GT (18.01 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2005 version of the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S has a maximum speed of 114mph.

Top Speed of the 2005 Fiesta equals the 2011 Renault Twingo 1.6 133 Renaultsport Cup (125 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2005 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S then how about the 2011 Renault Twingo 1.6 133 Renaultsport Cup (125 mph), the 2011 Fisker Karma Hybrid (125 mph), or the 2009 Tesla Roadster Electric 248bhp (125 mph).

Related Links:

2005 Fiesta Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison