Performance Review: Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S - [2008]

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 2008. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 Ariel Atom V8 500 and the 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero TT.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 970 kgs (2138 lbs) this makes the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S in the same weight category as the 2007 Mazda 2 1.5 Sport or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Fiesta shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp)

In terms of power the 1596cc 16V St4 engine produces 118 bhp (87 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 112 lb-ft (151.8 Nm) @ 4050 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (118 lb-ft) or the 2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8L (105 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 1990 Honda Civic CRX 1.6i VTEC (146.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Fiesta.

The Ford Fiesta has a Power to weight ratio of 121.6 bhp per ton and 115.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2008 Fiesta competing with the 1990 Honda Civic CRX 1.6i VTEC (146.6 bhp per ton) or the 1988 Ford Taurus 3.0 V6 SHO (146.6 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 115.4 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 2004 Seat Ibiza 1.8 20vt FR (140.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 2007 Seat Ibiza 1.8 20vt FR (140.3 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 9.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.9 secs, this made the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S as fast as the 2009 Citroen DS3 1.6 HDi 110 (9.60 secs) the 2003 Skoda Fabia 1.9 vRS 130bhp (9.60 secs) the 1993 Bentley Brooklands 4d (9.60 secs) the or the 1975 Jensen Interceptor Coupe 7.2 V8 (9.60 secs). This Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S is also faster than the 2005 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (9.70 secs) the 1996 BMW 3 Series 318is 4d Saloon E46 (9.70 secs) the 1994 Peugeot 106 Rallye (9.70 secs) the and the 1984 Peugeot 604 GTi 2.8 V6 (9.70 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Fiesta and the 2008 Cadillac CTS 3.6 V6 Sport 4d Auto

When talking about the performance of the Ford Fiesta on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.32 secs @ 83.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2008 Cadillac CTS 3.6 V6 Sport 4d Auto (16.25 secs), the 2006 Saab 9-3 2.8 V6 Aero (16.27 secs), and the 1959 Maserati 5000 GT (16.28 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2008 version of the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S has a maximum speed of 120mph.

Top Speed of the 2008 Fiesta equals the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 5.7 V8 (131 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S then how about the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 5.7 V8 (131 mph), the 2011 Abarth 500 Essessee 1.4 Turbo (131 mph), or the 2011 Abarth 500C Essesse 1.4 Turbo (131 mph).

Related Links:

2008 Fiesta Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison