Fiesta ST or GTI, which is better on the track? -- Everyday Driver

The guys travel to Denver for the Rocky Mountain Drive Event, allowing them a fast comparison of the Fiesta ST and latest GTI in back-to-back track sessions. The result is a simpler and less polished shoot that we prefer, but still something we wanted to share. How does the new GTI stack up against Ford's performance bargain?
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[@77GR1982]

The _Fiesta_ *ST* doesn't know it's a FWD car and doesn't care - Hats Off.

[@deejayimm]

You have to be prepared if you turn the esc off. The tail likes to come out. Especially if its alittle bit slick. The other day I was taking a 180 degree turn following an f150 at slow speeds and I guess there was some moisture and the road got greasy because the rear just said, oh hello buddy, hope your paying attention. Its hilarious how big of a slide you can get out of a FWD car if you time it right.. Thankfully I never turn the esc off and then stop paying attention lol. It's the ST way.

[@barrybenkendorf672]

They perfected the FWD car with torque vectoring by braking with the rear wheels to create oversteer. Amazing! I love this car. Best decision I ever made! Next to that is finding the Recaros to put in it that EVERY one of these SHOULD have come with from the factory!

[@krazed0451]

@@barrybenkendorf672 Torque vectoring brakes the front inside wheel, not the rear wheels xD

[@bongodave13]

@@krazed0451 The FRONT inside wheel.

[@alanzapanta7254]

I Love my ST, omg its my daily driver. Just brings a smile everyday no matter what the anticipated atmosphere will be at work. Just opens a smile going in and out of work. Drive mostly on interstate road to work M, Tue, W, F, Sat at 80mi roundtrip. Man, it slices through like a bushido blade lol.

[@barrybenkendorf672]

100% true and correct statement, the shortest drives are pure excellence and enjoyment! Never experienced that in my life! This is how driving should be!

[@robray7106]

I find any excuse to drive my green envy Fiesta ST! It's so much fun!

[@randall7853]

I just bought my yesterday, and of course all I want to do is DRIVE! Lol Car is an absolute blast!

[@darrenloke5486]

Focus ST is the same league as a Golf GTi. The Fiesta ST should be compared against the Polo GTi instead. I think this is lacking in the US market

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

Fiesta ST is actually faster than a Focus ST on a tight track. So sorry... its just that good. Remap the fuel with a Cobb stage 1 only and you will absolutely kill a stock Focus ST. The lighter weight 500lbs makes that big of a difference on tight tracks.

[@darrenloke5486]

It's also way harder and way unfriendlier as a DD. We don't need information that we already know in the first place.

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

Darren Loke I own a FIST and it is the most fun DD I have owned out of 30 vehicles.

[@benmorin1284]

Si's and Gti's used to be the lightweight kings of the street racing. Both Manufacturers made them bigger more expensive and softer each year and all they have left is a reputation. This Fiesta St and the Abarth are to me today's Civic CRX or Corrado/Golf VR6.

[@alanuribe8785]

Ben Moran maybe they didnt like being brands associated with boy racer cultures

[@DainLaguna]

Alan Uribe well that and the gti caters to a different market. Like people who want to actually put stuff and people in the backseat ;-)

[@benmorin1284]

why not, Alan? civic are the most selling economy cars in canada

[@juffurey]

Ben Moran fiesta st is in a different league than the 500 abarth.

[@Vision33r]

Ben Moran I own a MK3 GTI VR6 and I can tell you that car can't handle. Today's stock Corolla outhandles it because modern chasis > past gen chasis.

[@hyokim3308]

Another fantastic easy to understand review... comments are precise and makes so much sense. Great comparison between FiST & GTI Thank you.

[@ijustmetyoucallmebab]

Guys, I love your reviews. I bought a 2012 GTI two years ago based on your review of the GTI and other sporty cars within the $25k to $30k price range. It may not be the faster car in its segment but I love it's overall performance and handling. It's smooth ride and not punishing like the Mini Cooper, WRX, BRZ, Mazda speed. I traded my 2012 to the 2015 and I am loving it. I drove it to Los Angeles last week (a 400 mile drive) and it was very comfy, and I love the power on demand. The increase in torque made a lot of difference. The handling may not be the best in its class but it's nimble enough for me driving on the twisty roads. The DSG is superb, especially when you switch to manual. Keep up the good work, guys. Thank you!

[@EverydayDriver]

We are thrilled to hear our show has been helpful to you! Yes, the GTI is one of the world's best do-it-all cars. We're glad to hear you're enjoying the upgrade. Thanks for being a long time fan and we hope you'll share our show with others!

[@pvultureb8341]

GTI is such a friendly car. You made a right choice.

[@elaxel1469]

The fiesta has to be compared to Polo GTI, and the Golf with the focus.

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

Moreira Da Lima I refuse to drive a car that is named after an old man's sport. :P

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

+Snazzy Snafu That's OK over half of the trucks produced in the US by Ford and Dodge are not available to Europeans. So where you may have us on specific cars we have you on the majority of all trucks produced world wide.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

Yea the Golf is a bigger and way more expensive car. It's equivalent to the FOCUS ST, not Fiesta. Glad I went for a Fiesta in the end though. With VW currently getting a worldwide shafting for cheating emissions tests they might not be around much longer. They might be sued in to oblivion by their own customers :P

[@quientindougan3892]

+BlatentlyFakeName They are not going to be shut down. If anything this cheating has given them more publicity. Even if they did get shut down, they are partnered with Audi, they could just continue under their name; but again, that will never happen.

[@rrpostalagain]

+Moreira Da Lima I wish the Polo was available in the US. i would have looked at it for sure. I don't know why people need to be so negative all the time. i think both cars in this test are pretty awesome. Glad we have the options. I wish we had more.

[@amathew711]

you guys are great, keep up the great work!

[@stuntdoogie]

Had my FiST since Nov 2013 and absolutely love it! I dont care if its not faster than a BRZ, SI or GTI all I know is that its fun to drive. For a Sub Compact it gives those other cars including some V6's a run for there money. This FiST is a little beast. I Appreciate what Ford has done here with this little Sub Compact. They made driving fun again for me in a small affordable package.

[@TheJeremyevans]

the traction control on the fiesta is a bit un-nerving at first. but when you get used to it- it's comfortably reassuring

[@itz-vergil-1013]

True

[@rrpostalagain]

I love both of these cars.

[@robinwright8547]

I have the MK7 and I think the Fiesta ST is a great car too. Everyone is so one or the other. Both cars win.

[@davidpaulin]

they each have their qualities .. the golf is more practical and has usable backseats/cargo trunk .. the ST on the other hand is a hooligan machine.. it's more fun and engagind to drive but lacks the practical side of things when compared to the GTI

[@acchaladka]

robin Wright Well said. I want the Golf for long road trips and the FiST for stupid fun frozen lake racing.

[@JCTiggs1]

I've had my Fiesta ST for over a month now and love it! Power is under-rated from Ford and is really making about 215 hp and 240 ft lb of trq bases in dyno runs. On a 2700 lb car, that's quite a lot and makes it a blast to drive, even in a straight line, something the brz was sorely lacking.

[@Xenophene01]

I'm just glad the rumours were false about the BRZ not going to be on sale anymore. No one is buying the BRZ because we are all waiting for a more powerful version!

[@fatboy19831]

The Fiesta ST makes good on its rated power. It is not under rated like the GTI. It feels much faster than the BRZ but it is not. It is about .4 seconds slower to sixty. The Brz is only making around 190 hp when hot. The ST must be making about the same power. Wile it weighs 50 pounds less than the BRZ and has 50 lb-ft more torque. It just cant match the BRZ's top end power balls out. The BRZ is a better more balanced car. Just buy a tick. I was blown away by how good the Fiesta ST is. Add just a few options and its value disappears.

[@Xenophene01]

fatboy19831 I like your honesty. Not many out there. Usually fan boys ruin cars for others. imo

[@JCTiggs1]

fatboy19831 by under rated by ford, I meant it's making more on the dyno than what Ford claims. Wheel hp is 185 and trq is 215 or 210+ hp /240 ft lbs at the crank. Stock brz dynos at 145 hp and 115 ft lb at the wheel or 195 hp / 150 lb ft at crank. Personally I feel the Fiesta ST is a more exciting daily driver, at least for me, the added torque is huge in the fun factor and the back seat is an added plus! :-)

[@fatboy19831]

JCTiggs Their is no way the BRZ could hit 60 in 6.4 seconds (faster than the ST 6.7 ) with only 145 whp. Not posible. Not only that the BRZ keeps pulling till its 3 mph higher top speed. When cold the BRZ puts out 170 hp to the wheels. It drops about 10 hp when hot. The St puts out 185 hp in over-boost then it drops to 175 whp. FWD has less drive-train loss than RWD. The way the two cars make power is completely different. In almost any roll on contest the ST is much faster than the BRZ. It has far better street performance. The cost is top end. The St is done at 6000 rpm at 184hp, 150 lb-ft torque. Not much need to take it past 5000 rpm 184hp , 190 lb-ft torque. The BRZ is just getting started at 6000 rpm. 160 hp, 140 lb-ft torque. Making 173 hp and 130 lb-ft at 7000 rpm. It is still making 120 lb-ft at fuel cut off 7500 rpm. At track speeds and balls out the BRZ is a QUICKER car than the St. At height rpm the st is just blowing off boost..... In the future don't quote lowest vs highest dyno. We all can do the math. The Fiesta St is an amazing car ( I love it). It is still and economy car. Not a purpose built performance platform. At 6.5 feet tall booth cars rear seats are almost useless to me.

[@duweydang]

I wonder if the mode was set to sport on the gti. Both great cars. Awesome coverage!

[@caiden915x]

I currently have both. Fiesta ST is definitely more fun. The GTI is great for daily use and about 75% as fun as the ST. If I can only keep 1, it would be the GTI

[@barrybenkendorf672]

Why the GTI when it isn't as good. Clearly driving dynamics and satisfaction are not most important to you.

[@eppyz]

@@barrybenkendorf672 saying it's not as good how? The GTI is the best all around car out there. ST is a great car but GTI for a daily all day long

[@lilyusi]

I gotta say I am a huge fan and love to see all the videos that you guys post. I will be buying a new car in December just wanted to know what you guys and everybody else thought I should go with for around $30K. I'm considering the 2015 GTI, 2015 WRX, 2015 Focus ST (redesign), 2015 Mazda 3 (i know its not on the same level as the other three). If its ever possible can you guys do a compete comparison of the GTI, ST, and WRX? I'm looking for something that is fun to drive and gets decent mpg. It gets cold and snowy where I am at so heated features will be great and remote-start. I currently have a miata and drive it year round so rwd in the snow is not a problem. Lastly, the fit and finish of the inside and out would be preferred since I will be spending a ton of money. Used cars I am considering S2000, 2007+ 328ci, 2007+ 325i. If you guys have any recommendations and comments let me know.

[@traumadynamics7269]

With all the love the ST is getting from you guys and other journalists, I'm thinking of getting it over a 2011 135i (or a 128i given all the fun you can have with just 200 hp). I've not driven the ST yet, is it in the same league (in terms of fun to drive) as the 1 series? It seems nuts but Smoking Tire compared the ST favorably with an e46 M3! Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

[@StreetCruizer]

I'm happy for you that you had the opportunity to drive those european hot hatches on a track. I'm well aware that Ford is an american brand and not european. But the Fiesta was originally designed for the european market and just came over to the US with the current generation. On top of that Ford is the only foreign brand in Germany that is perceived as German, although it's clearly american. Anyhow I think it's great that both sides of the atlantic now get more awesome cars from the other. You get STs and GTIs and we'll get the new Mustang. What an awesome time to be a car enthusiast.

[@Loafy23]

I loved the original Fiesta from the very late 70's to early 80's. That car was made in Germany by Ford. It was very nimble, quite quick, and amazingly well built. I had two of them and loved them dearly.

[@razorworks111]

Although I agree with you in that its always great to see cars being traded across the Atlantic, some of those cars are being brought to the US are European designed rather than built. The new Golf, and its sibling the GTI, for the American market are being produced alongside the Jetta in Mexico instead of Wolfsburg. Materials and build quality of the VW's made at that plant were/are simply "ok", whereas the fit and finish of the MKV and MKVI GTI (imported from Germany) were substantially better. Hopefully VW won't screw around by cost cutting and maintain the standard of quality their customer base expects from their Golf product line.

[@StreetCruizer]

Stephen N Might be true that materials used in american models are slightly inferior. But the price is also significantly lower. MSRP for a base 4-door GTI is $24,995 in the US. Same model in Germany is ca. 24,100€ without taxes, which translates to $32,500. And that's without shipping it accross the ocean or any kind of taxes. So let me ask: Who pays $7,500 just for slightly better materials and fit and finish? Also interesting that here in Germany we got the Mexico built Jetta wagon MK5 and 6 as Golf Variant and nobody even noticed any difference in build quality or materials.

[@razorworks111]

I see what you are saying regarding the price differences, but would be careful not to underestimate the value of higher quality. I cannot speak for every american, but the competition between the Japanese, Korean and German auto manufacturers within the Jetta and Golf market segment is brutal. Despite this, VW tends to demand a certain price premium here in the states over its Asian counterparts, and succeeds in doing so due to the higher quality feel of its products (bzw. solid interiors, better handling, and so on). By sacrificing in this department in the name of reducing cost (and potentially price), VW runs the risk of alienating its customer base, who will be more likely to consider opting for another brand that offers those things at the same price point. I myself have lived in Germany for several years and can only recall seeing only a few Jettas/Jetta combis, in comparison the the sheer number of Golfs (and their variants). Perhaps those in Germany reached a similar conclusion.

[@1989rs500]

Fiesta,Focus,Mondeo/Fusion are cars that are designed and built in Britain not Germany, Ford used German tracks and engineers to fine tune the chassis and the ecoboost engines developed in Essex and Colonge plant is used to develop Fiesta ST s suspension, all other parts are from Britain

[@Daveyboy_GolfR]

At the end of the video did you say many comparisons remain? Or mini comparisons remain? You pronounce both words identically so I don't know if you're talking about mini Cooper comparisons remain or many other cars.

[@KURDinEXILE]

Ford Fiesta is one of the best pieces of automotive engineering. Drive one before you judge. Honestly, the best road handling I've ever seen.

[@barrybenkendorf672]

Thank you for this. I was a lifelong Honda owner and finally saw the light of pure driving enjoyment and perfection with the Fiesta ST! It does everything I was looking for and more that I couldn't find with Honda! Ford took over! Honda is soft, heavy, vague, and slow! The Fiesta ST is lightweight at 2600lbs, precision steering ratio of an S2000, handling on rails with no body roll or oversteer/understeer, and power everywhere above 3k rpm! There is nothing more I could ask for! Even fuel efficient at more than 30mpg. It is truly perfection. It's too good to be true but it really is true!

[@Max-xr2ij]

reminds me of the older civic type Rs they only sold in europe/asia

[@n8tehgr8est]

Did you turn off TC in the GTI? The back end really comes out once you do that.

[@estebanposadaduque6415]

wow..... amazing to see this "small fire-ball " comes in 5 door hatch-back .... Henry Ford´s legacy at his best .... I own a TITANIUM 5 door HB made in México and shipped to my lovely Colombia ....

[@vdubprints9038]

I got out of my tuned MKVI GTI for the New FiST No regrets and love every bit of it!!

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

Awesome! I've never met anyone yet who's traded their fist in for a gti.

[@TheSandister]

I did and don't regret it. I kept having issues with the St at 20k miles had to replace the throttle body and a bunch of little things like exhaust rattle and the blend door. I enjoyed doing it, its the fact that i had to. The Fist was fun but for a daily not so much. The Gti drives so much nicer and honestly just a bit slower than my stage 3 adam tuned on my canyon not canyon road cause we have hills not real mountains. This will be remedied next week for $650 you can get a accessport with a MAPerformance ots tune 303whp 370Tq no mods not even a drop in reqd.

[@barrybenkendorf672]

Thank you for this. Beautiful statement! I end my day in the FiST looking behind me when I leave the car longing to drive it again! I was a lifelong Honda owner and finally saw the light of pure driving enjoyment and perfection with the Fiesta ST! It does everything I was looking for and more that I couldn't find with Honda! Ford took over! Honda is soft, heavy, vague, and slow! The Fiesta ST is lightweight at 2600lbs, precision steering ratio of an S2000, handling on rails with no body roll or oversteer/understeer, and power everywhere above 3k rpm! There is nothing more I could ask for! Even fuel efficient at more than 30mpg. It is truly perfection. It's too good to be true but it really is true!

[@georgemorley1029]

The thing about fiestas is that they all get the same great mix of chassis balance and steering feel, which includes the 1.0 litre 3 cylinder ecoboosts. The 1.0 litre ecoboost engine is far less powerful than an STI 4 cylinder turbo powered unit, but it is both economical and lively, revs nicely and can be remapped to deliver surprising levels of power, if you want to. I think the 1.0 litre ecoboost model that my wife has is much more fun to drive than my turbo diesel BMW 3 series. It’s like you’re bombing about the place in a go kart.

[@wholelottamiata6976]

You stated how they felt but which one was faster?

[@stephanematis]

Curious how much the Performance Pack's mechanical LSD would change this, assuming this wasn't a PP edition GTI.

[@noneyabizz8337]

The Fiesta has none, just ford's trickery that eats brake pads. It too is a much better car with ANY lsd

[@SpiritualWarrior999]

Everyday driver love your videos! Which is more fun between the fiesta st and wrx 2015? I've driven both but cannot decide...

[@EverydayDriver]

Great question... We talked about this at length on our Audio Podcast. Search for "Everyday Driver Car Debate" and you'll find it on iTunes, or wherever you get podcasts. WRX vs. FiST was talked about in our first couple episodes - Linked here: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/car-debate-1-wrx-or-fist/id901453417?i=316632381&mt=2 Thanks for watching!

[@MechRider89]

I chose the GTI because I spend a lot of time driving. Quality and comfort are worth the extra coin, just wish I'd have got a PP model....that LSD would be very handy in hard cornering.

[@armandolopez6302]

I have a stage 2 fiesta st, I’ve smoked Supra’s, ctsv. It’s a crazy good car on track and adding just more power makes it even better 😍

[@MarcKloos]

The Fiesta and Golf are both red and European (although this Fiesta is built in Mexico), but that's were all similarities end. Here in Europe the Golf is compared to the Focus, while the smaller Fiesta is compared with the smaller VW Polo.

[@MarkCalica]

Looks like they were having more fun in the ST. I'd love to get one...

[@gene978]

and only $20K for the ST! You guys are just Awesome!

[@FernandoAMuratMenezes]

Funny vid! Laughed a lot!

[@SyphilisStrike]

Bit of a strange comparison, surely the golf should be compared to the focus st/rs (when it enters production) or the fiesta compared with the polo?

[@Popflyer123]

For winter driving, I'm not sure a loose back end is better (ie, safer) than more understeer?

[@shahulhusman]

Under steer is harder to control than oversteer.... Not talking snap oversteer or crazy 996 gt2 oversteer.... But typically people don't realize that understeer and losing steering input is worse that mild oversteer and being able to correct

[@ssllhh100]

simply switch the ESC on , it only do it when pushed , i have a diesel fiesta 14' and it still get the back out when you ask it to , the car is so great it make you a better driver , it communicate every thing , you know what the car is doing all the time , and i driven my previous fiesta 12' (didn't have ESC) on snow with all season tyres for a week and didn't crash it

[@RJYOUNG396]

I have a MK7 GTI and the things you pointed out are ture, but nothing a couple mods like an ECU tune and sports suspension can't take care of.

[@enriquecazorla2746]

It's unusual to have a front-wheel drive that acts like a rear wheel drive in corners, having the rear slide out under braking or slowing down into corners. My AE82 does the same thing, and so does the peugeot 205 gti. I guess it's a sign of a good front wheel drive sports car.

[@AndyLaub]

It sounds like this GTI didn't have the Performance Pack with the bigger brakes, added power, and LSD?

[@razorworks111]

The brakes that come with the performance pack have "GTI" stenciled across the caliper (these did not), so I'd wager no. It would've been interesting to see how their opinions differed with the extra power and better brakes.

[@tadam25]

Stephen N Don't forget the LSD

[@fikes73]

Thats what I was wondering. The PP has a LSD and torque vectoring, should silence that understeer.

[@slags83]

Stephen N Not to mention the stickier summer tires.....

[@terranceparker8990]

It also sounds like it was going up against a car that weighed quite a bit less hence the big difference of critique when it came to straight line performance. The U.S. market doesn't have a V.W. Polo R, which is the car the little Ford compares to.

[@MrAndersie91]

Found it a bit odd when they said the Golf GTI had understeer when pushed, yet any review over in Europe say it just pulls out of corners.. Guessing either this Golf GTI or the US Version in general doesnt get the super trick LSD we get here

[@bahena403]

How many st owners actually make it out to a race track or have the driving skills to drive this to the limit?

[@petelattimer6808]

no idea what you guys have had in the US for front drive Fords, but in Europe, lift off oversteer is a bit of a trademark thing in most of the FWD fords, especially the sportier ones

[@johnmcgraw1881]

I'm just wondering, i hear some journalists refer to torque in pounds feet (lb/ft) and others in foot pounds (ft/lb). Which is right? Or does it not really matter?

[@emmanuelgt5]

It does not matter since you are multiplying two things ( feet for distance ) and ( pounds for force) , it makes no difference which one comes first.

[@ADG2988]

It is not pounds per feet nor is it foot per pounds. It is foot pounds or pound feet. As stated it is multiplication. The two commute so the order doesn't matter a*b = b*a

[@johnmcgraw1881]

ok i got it thank you for not crucifying me!!

[@onegod4009]

I agree value for money the fiesta st is an awesome buy and an awesome car to have fun with at a affordable price

[@marcoc1761]

Owned a FiST and now own a GTI. FiST has better steering and a much better gearbox. I can shift as fast as possible. The GTi’s gearbox is not as fluid and positive. The FiST always wants to punch above it’s weight and is much more fun to drive. The GTI definitely is more luxurious. Not sure which is more durable though (I’m thinking the Ford will have fewer problems as it ages).

[@jamestobin2529]

It's all in the turbo size that little st turbo gives u crazy respone compared to the full size in the gti which makes it all up top.

[@seinsmeld13]

Interesting... Focus ST, Fiesta St or GTI? I need to replace my 07 GTI which has 250,000 km on it. Another GTI was in order however it's now made in Mexico so I might give one of these Fords a chance. I also get Ford employee pricing as I have family members that work there. Price wise I'd be crazy not to buy the Ford with the discount I'd get. I'm going out tomorrow to give all three a ride. We will see....

[@riothero313]

I know what he is saying about braking. I changed lanes from behind a truck to a standstill in traffic. The car was in the lane but cantered a good 35 degrees. Granted that was a lot of panic driving on my part.

[@zappatx]

So this is the 1L cast iron EcoBoost??

[@tomfinney6498]

Nope , 1.6 Turbo ST. Not 1 litre shopping trolly :-)

[@dadicoots]

Bought a performance blue Fiesta ST in April. No Recaro's so cant comment on them (I liked paying $2 grand less for my car, however). The my touch is really good once it becomes familiar. Ok, on to performance. Has anybody just taken the Fiesta ST to a big parking lot on a Sunday and just cut loose with it? Holy S#!T this car is CRAZY!!! I have never driven a car that could smoke the tires in the 1st 4 gears! Scary at first but what a blast!! I just kept pushin, and the little hatch just kept playin. I have not taken it to a track so I can not give any performance #s. But I can say without a doubt that for everyday driving, I cant imagine having more seat of my pants fun without looking like a pretentiou$ narcissi$t. Just go drive one for a few days and then make a post. Guaranteed to leave a smile on your face :)

[@Herfinnur]

Why do you have the window open? Doesn't that wreck havoc with the aerodynamics?

[@EverydayDriver]

Yes - it's not ideal to have the window open. But many track events (including this one) ask drivers to run with their windows down for easier driver removal in case of a wreck. Many times we've rolled the windows up anyway during track reviews. At this event they were being very strict about this rule. Thanks for watching!

[@riothero313]

Herfinnur Árnafjall First rookie mistake I made at the drag strip, you'd be amazed at how much your ET improves.

[@dg7438]

Does that GTI have the Perf. Pkg?

[@LanningKann]

Dustin G no it's not a PP GTI. I have a PP and the front and rear badges would be red instead of silver. Also he wouldn't have complained about the steering/body roll because he'd have the DCC set to sport on the track so steering would have been tighter, suspension would have been stiffer and the electronic limited slip diff up front makes all the difference in the world.

[@hatched91]

I'd really like to see a road comparison of the GTI and Fiesta ST. I'm currently trying to decide which car I want to buy. The GTI is far more practical (and has great highway dynamics), but the ST was such a blast to drive, and actually made me want to buy the car. ED, which car would you purchase?

[@mgdll]

it all depends on what you want...i think the gti is like an entry level m3...for the price there are faster cars but it's the overall best package around

[@drgnzadiel101]

Mk7 gti and get a Apr stage 1 tune. Enjoy

[@MrKCarz]

I just got a Mk7 GTI and I love it.

[@gster913]

I think the Focus ST would be a better match for the mk7

[@greenrolaids]

lol to those complaining about one thing or another. They are only testing the track presence of the two cars.. watch nearly any review of the fiesta and the reviewer grins from ear to ear. The gti has an awesome interior, but some prefer performance #1. Id be happy to have both.

[@Braeserker]

Dunno what they're talking about b/c even in my MKV GTI as soon as I start to get understeer all I have to do is let off the gas a sec and the back end comes right around and corrects the understeer and then I correct the oversteer with the gas pedal. They just don't know how to drive the GTI correctly. Also on a side note, I'm pretty sure you can get torque vectoring on the MKVII GTI, which is what the Fiesta ST has that makes the tail come around under braking/gas.

[@ssllhh100]

the I II and V were the best GTI models ever , don't compare this GTI to the V please , the worse was the IV gen

[@Iwo26]

Was the GTI equipped with the new diff ?

[@jayczyzyk9707]

doesntmake a difference the gti i s not a track car

[@danmobile]

I almost bought a Fiesta ST, but I've been considering the VW recently after seeing pics and reading a bit lately. Your video sums up the reason I'm leaning heavily toward the Fiesta again: it just looks like a lot of fun to drive. The GTI looks boring, your expressions and voices sum it up. One car seems like it understeers and feels fat, the other seems like it's neutral-oversteer and is nimble. The GTI is probably the better daily driver, but the Fiesta seems like a great compromise; giving up a little of the luxury for a lot more fun. And it's much cheaper to boot :)

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

+danmobile The FIST is insanely fun to drive as a DD. The best DD I've ever owned.

[@crenshawconstable4305]

Why not compare the Fiesta ST with the Polo Gti & the Golf Gti with the Focus ST... Aren't they in different classes?

[@paulbarrett9951]

The focus st is the car that should be up agent's the golf

[@Lukos0036]

The Fiesta wants to play. It wants you to take it on a bendy technical track and have fun. The GTI is to good for all that. To grown up. It is a better place to sit in, probably better for road trips, and merging into traffic, but as a performance car it is to stoic and detached to be engaging company.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

I recently test drove the Fiesta ST, 2015 GTi and Mini Cooper....The Mini felt best of all 3 in my hands. GTi had cheap plastic turn signal levers, body roll, and felt BIG. The Fiesta was nice/good handling but its chime when you start the car drives me crazy/sounds cheap and also its interior was very cheap and ill conceived/nav so far away can hardly reach it etc. The Mini did all things well for my tastes.

[@RickCosmo]

you can compare until we're all blue in the face..why the Fiesta and not the Focus ST?

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

+Rick Cosmo Why would you?

[@reptilelvr10]

I love the fiesta ST, but the GTI is a beast

[@blooddrunk1432]

Gti Mark 7 are no joke if you spend little money on ecu upgrade :)

[@reptilelvr10]

+SaltyNutz My friend owns a Fiest ST and I own GTI MKV. I've only driven the Fiesta once, but I prefer my GTI in every way.

[@MJ-gl2mh]

Britt Bremer I have not driven that generation GTi, no doubt its good though. Like i said, the new GTi just didn't feel as good as an ST to me, not even close. Far nicer interior which i don't really care about though. Thing is, the Fiesta is an over achiever, that we're comparing it to GTi is cool, the fact that a lot of people think its better, is insane.

[@ARentz07]

I think perspective is important here. The Fiesta is a full size smaller than the Golf, and Ford's been known for making their (early) US ST cars more raw and visceral than most. So, to drive this back to back with the GTI might give you the impression that the GTI is lazy. However, I don't think that's really true at all. Compared to a lot of the other cars you guys were seeing on the track in this video, for example that IS 350, or a Mustang/Camaro, the GTI is going to feel an awful lot more nimble. It only weighs a hair over 3000 pounds. I think you nailed it though when you said it feels more grown-up. That's a key point for those of us who have to commute, give rides to our family and coworkers, and make Costco trips. The GTI is the one you'd actually want to live with, while, for most people, like myself, being easily more agile than most other cars on the road.

[@bongodave13]

Then get rid of it when the lease is up so you don't have reliability issues.

[@Andreas1818]

I've driven both GTI and ST. While the Golf comes with softer suspension it's no where as fun and engaging as the ST to drive. Steering feel is superior in the ST, in the Golf it's numb and not as quick to sudden movements. In the ST you feel connected to the road. ST might have one of the best steerings currently. If your priorities is comfort get the GTI, if you enjoy driving, get the ST. It's a true pocket rocket!

[@SidTitus]

fiesta it is

[@eltonjohn3236]

I like both of these cars, a lot. The GTI is a bit more suited to guys over 40 maybe, that want a smooth daily driver. For outright fun, the Fiesta is the way to go.

[@turboshottho]

GTI was lacking the performance package which adds a LSD which reduces the understeer

[@TheSpragz]

Great heal and toe? The accelerator pedal is in the totally wrong position.

[@LarryBirrd]

Ford Fiesta ST still rules the hot hatch segment. It's a nice looking car too! Could you guys do a review of the 2015 Honda Fit? I wish Honda would bring their SI version of the Fit here in the States.

[@betoortega408]

Wow this little fiesta is a trip its better around canions over 500 fiat arboth and better on track than the golf R wow 👏 good job ford.

[@CranioUomo]

Volpi's car is roughly have the same TopSpeed the fiesta without a limiter will do 165 but it's typical to have speed is 155 the top speed of the GTI is roughly the same at 150-155

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Ford hot hatches have always been sharper than Volkswagens, it's just that the U.S. market rarely gets them.

[@mituc]

Guys... no 720p?

[@cdangers]

What are you talking about? I just watched it in 720p and 1080p was also available.

[@fcastellanos1]

they don't compete against each other. the competitor for the GTi is the focus ST. anyway, I LOVE THEM BOTH. I just love the fiesta ST as much as I love the GTi. excellent cars for the money!!!

[@fatboy19831]

I love both cars. I would take a GTI over the Fiesta. If I were on a tight 22k budget I would be completely happy with the ST.

[@eltonjohn3236]

I agree with you.

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

+fatboy19831 I would never take a GTI over a FIST. Its 400lbs heavier. Looks like every other GTI to come out in the last decade. And looks like a larger 90's geo metro. No sexy body lines, no curves, no spoiler, etc; IT may be refined but it is VERY outdated and long on the tooth.

[@robmorton4250]

Chillin in 2018 y’all need anything?

[@samharrison5299]

A corona free world please

[@GhadSpeed]

This car is so old and I still want one!! Lol

[@onegod4009]

car manufacturers have plants around the globe the one plant is in south africa , south Africa has a bmw 3 series plant and benz c class plant which they export to Europe!

[@estebanposadaduque6415]

.... both extraordinary vehicles from long term manufacturers : each has it´s own distinguished pluses : Ford : quirky compact styling ... VW all high & mighty German trends ... I will have trouble picking between both of them if I had the ca$$$$hh to spare : meanwhile I sticked to a 5 door TITANIUM HB: from México to Colombia : rapidly becoming a real contendant to Mazda 2 in sharing the sells pie ...

[@jasonleary604]

I've test driven both cars back to back on some twisties, and there really is no comparison when it comes to corner carving. The GTI will do the twisties, but it feels somewhat reluctant and much heavier compared with the Fiesta ST. It's not as much of a fun car to drive that way, whereas the Fiesta ST had me grinning from ear to ear, begging for more! The Fiesta ST's steering accuracy and responsive handling are razor sharp in comparison to the GTI's slightly soft and heavy feeling reluctant vibe. I also found it slow to get back on the power with the DSG in sport mode out of tight corners, compared with the Fiesta ST that you can just plant the rpm's around 4k+ coming out of a corner with the manual, and it just goes. Perhaps I'm not used to the "flappy paddles" to shift the DSG manually, but I also just prefer having a clutch and a real manual shifter. The GTI is a nice car, but the Fiesta ST is a fun car.

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

+jasonleary604 I totally agree. The Fiesta ST is one of the best canyon carving cars ever made.

[@x-man4702]

All season tires on the GTI and summers on the Fiesta.

[@gackal1982]

today i took the fiesta for a spin and i was impressed by the handling but honestly it lacks power, the interiors are cheap and all ecoboosts have a bad rep for reliability, i think im going for the gti

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

Ecoboost has great reliability and one of the best power to weight ratios of any modern engine. As far as power goes. Try adding a stage 3 protune running e40. It will put down roughly 330lbs of torque in a 2700lb chassis. No my friend the fist is a legend of a car in the making.

[@RSBritain]

The 1.6 ecoboosts are reliable. It's the 1 litre ones you have to look out for. The power can easily be upgraded, but it's not a car for straight speed.

[@ThePlotDevice]

Seems like every body complains about the same thing when it comes to the gti,the handling. Not because it's not doing what it's supposed to to do but more because it doesn't have that stiff sporty feel. It's a pointless complaint because it still handles well just based on the fact that the rear doesn't want to kick out; has a lot of grip.

[@ricky041878]

i like the fiesta st

[@djkenny1202]

I still find any GTI following the MK2 in 92; just too heavy and polished. They've become much better since the MK4, but why does it need to be so filled with power Everything? Would it not be great if these manufactures made some base models built for driving fun, at a lower price point, and lower weight? In the meantime, I will enjoy my old school 16v with coil overs and neuspeed set up. bring a Polo or Lupo sporty car to the states. Please.

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

Gti has 50lbs more torque but weighs 400lbs more it needs it. Plus you can easily push a fiesta st to 330lbs of torque on a pro tuned e40 build. And the power to weight ration needed for a 3160lb gti would have to be around 380lbs of toque to match it. I'm just not sure the GTIs transmission is going to handle that kind of torque without a complete quaife overhaul. The fiesta st is just a beast!

[@IEatYouBabies]

+Tom Brooks the same dsg is used on much higher preformed car and is more than able to handle extra power. on a stage 2 tune the mk7 gets 320hp 396 tq at the crank. the fiesta is no doubt a better track car, but if i could only choose one car to live with everyday its gotta be the gti

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

Mod Mark If I had one car to live with I would trade my FIST in for an F40. But since I don't have the money I'll keep my FIST. On a more serious note... I'm looking to see what the RS puts down.

[@matthewschiebout9081]

Ignoring the price difference, the more expensive one is "usually" nicer, more comfortable etc. Paying 30% more for the Golf gets you more of everything, except fun! Not a major factor for our reviewers as they both own multiple expensive cars.

[@silverathlon]

Great unbiased review!

[@jamesward6175]

Do they not understand car classes?! 'it feels a little larger than the ST' - of course it does!....although this goes to show just how good the Fiesta is!

[@huron3871]

I'm sure there's a difference between the 2 door and 4 door versions

[@2damaxmr2]

There are some differences. Head lights and some interior pieces. Mechanically it is pretty much the same.

[@kittyairsoft]

To everyone complaining that these two don't compare don't seem to understand that the gti is neither directly comparable to either the focus or the fiesta, I own a gti and I have friends who own a focus st and a normal fiesta. The focus is slightly larger than my car (not sure about wheel base) and more power. The fiesta st is definitely shorter and less powerful. So the GTI is somewhere in the middle. Don't quite understand the complaints

[@67wildwolf]

Did the GTI have the performance pack? If it didn't your review was off. ST's a great car fort the track but sucks as a everyday driver. All those things you loved about it on the track don't do to well over months of regular driving...

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

+Frank Simpson I've got a 2014 FIST that has 50k miles. Drive it round trip 120 miles to Indy everyday in the states. Its an excellent DD. By the way I weigh roughly 190lbs 5'11" if that helps. Its a fantastic car for my sats range.

[@DIgitusSmartas]

I'm confused what GTI did they test Polo GTI or Golf GTI. If they tested Golf it would be unfair simply because its two different car segments. Cant bloody tell as all VW are the same.

[@DIgitusSmartas]

Its a nice little car but got nothing on Fiesta ST. They should have tested then Focus ST to make it more comparable imo.

[@anthonyg.7460]

Smoked a gti with my fiesta se lol

[@Sauce.714]

Was the GTI parked lol

[@kelumo7981]

I thing that this is the "mis-comparison", shouldnt the Golf GTi be compared with the Focus ST and the Polo GTi with the Fiesta ST, thats my take on this atleast,although the journalist at the end admitted that the lil' guy(fiesta) was the better one according to his opinion

[@malaiischenunion1236]

Golf fans will cry after watching this video... rip vw 😂😂

[@progpogs]

If you listen carefully you can hear a BRZ nearby at 3:14.

[@darrenburlingham9597]

Test the PP, get APR stage 1, and I bet you'll change your mind

[@Yourfavouritestories]

... tune the st to 300 hp for €4000, and you keep up with 911’s....

[@Asattwanger]

Should put them on some Japan style course and not a big engine course