As a Mustang GT owner, I'm sick of defending the Ecoboost Mustang. It's a good engine and makes plenty of power. I hope more people drive the Ecoboosts and realize how great they are.
I had a '15 5.0 for 4 days when financing fell through, so I got the Ecoboost instead. I'm so in love with the car even from going from the 5.0. Sure I do love the 5.0 especially the noise it makes, however it is not too hard to get the Ecoboost to close to the same power that the 5.0 makes. I absolutely love my Ecoboost Stang. And I love that it's different
Lane House I agree with how good those engines are, but a 4-cylinder engine in a Mustang is like horse with dog´s legs... awful, stupid, wrong, a big bad joke!!!
driven 2 and absolutley loved them!!! In fact, I think, in a near future those engines could/should be a lot faster than any big V8 But a V8 is a different world!!! I obviously one day...one day I... one day I´ll own... one day...V8!!!!!!
@@xsbgtr I disagree. It's an extremely solid engine that can make over 400 wheel horsepower with just a cold air intake, intercooler, catback, downpipe, and a bigger turbo. People have even been able to get them over 600 horsepower with more mods. For reference, stock GT's from the current generation make 400 wheel horsepower stock. It's a little 4 cylinder that doesn't sound great but still. It can go very fast therefore it deserves the Mustang name on it imo. But i'll agree to disagree.
Marcel West-Bailey I believe there have been some One-Take videos he's done where he _really_ liked the way the cars were setup. The only thing I can think of is the Skyline GTR R34 he drove while in NZ. But let's face it: What are the odds of that happening?
Marcel West-Bailey There are loads of cars I like more than the Fiesta. But all of them are 2-3x the price of the Fiesta. For that kind of money, nothing comes close.
***** Very nice car. Only driven the Mk 7 for a minute at willow springs, but we have one coming in 2 weeks that I get to become a bit more acquainted with. I really hate VW's Multimedia system compared to Ford's, and the GTI is a bit mature for my taste. I think the Fiesta is a lot more fun to drive at the expense of a little bit of refinement, and more direct than the GTI (especially if said GTI is a manual). Also, just built one on VW's web site and with as close as possible spec, and same trade in value, the GTI was $84/month more than the Fiesta ST on a lease.
I just bought a silver Fiesta ST about a month ago. Love the car, it's super fun and still practical. I was deciding between a WRX,FRS,TC, but the Fiesta ST came out on top as the best all around everyday sports car for anybody who uses their car for real world chores and people with kids.
I've owned both. I now have a 2020 Mustang Ecoboost, but owned a 2014 and 2016 Fiesta ST (the latter being stolen). I'd happily say that the Fiesta was more fun! It's an awesome car, and I'd still own mine now, had it not being stolen. That said, the Mustang was always my dream car and, now I own one, it's the only car since the Fiesta that literally puts a smile on my face every day. It's more luxurious, faster, louder and gets more attention from bystanders (I'm in England, for context). But it's also more expensive to own and run, and I'm not denying that. To summarise, the Fiesta is definitely more fun and is THE best car in it's price bracket. BUT, I would have still always wanted a Mustang when I owned a Fiesta. I don't long for a Fiesta now I own a Mustang (although I'd definitely get a 2014-207 Fiesta if/when I need to be more sensible in the future).
I know I’m late to the party, but I just wanted to say that even though we all know Matt loves his Fiesta ST he did give the ecoboost Mustang a fair review. I’m with him though, the manual gearbox makes for a much more engaged driving experience. Almost bought the GT, but in the end the ecoboost made more sense as a daily driver.
Matt is a Lucky guy. He gotten to drive cars some of us only dream of driving. After reviewing many many write ups and youtube reviews . We purchase 2015 fiesta st, Cobb tune and borla. Exhaust when on! I see why Matt loves this little pocket rocket. For one gear head to another Thanks Matt!
Never was a Ford guy until I overtook 911's and Bmw's on the Nurburgring with a Transit Van with just a tune on it, will upload a Gopro lap tomorrow 10:18btg
Nathan Sijpkes So basically you like ford because you overtook a 911 and BMW's. you know that most people who can afford cars like can't drive for shit.
The 2016 Mustang Ecoboost is a great tourer. I just came back from a 800 mile 2 day trip and it was a joy to drive and very comfortable. And considering it has about the same amount of power as a 2009 Mustang GT, it's plenty of fun when you plant your foot. I like to describe the Mustang as fun in 6 second intervals, because that's the most time you can accelerate before you risk running afoul of the law. For reference, I've also put 3k miles on the 2015 Mustang GT including the exact same 800 mile trip and there's not really anything it can do that the Ecoboost can't do in almost the same amount of time. I find because of the lighter front end, the Ecoboost actually corners better. The only thing I miss from the GT is the sound of the V8 engine idling. Very happy with my purchase.
Bought a new 1986 SVO 30 years and one test driver later bought a new 2016 Fiesta ST Test drove a few cars, the FiST was the only one that made me want to drive, something I have not felt in years.
I owned one of the previous 2.0 ST's and this 1.6 turbo one is so utterly brilliant, its a real shame Americans won't experience British B-roads in them lol. It is still able to bring an impromptu smile to my face in the tight corners, i don't know what id do without it haha
Matt, I just went back and watched this video. Brilliant. Your are a true sports car enthusiast. I feel like your observations are knowledgable and trustworthy in all the videos I have seen by you. You also seem to know how to test sports cars the way they were designed to be driven. This is not true off everyone making videos these days! I own and daily drive a 2016 Fiesta ST. What an amazing car, especially for the price. I'm very disappointed that Ford has dropped it from the NA market. I considered buying a vintage Accura Integra Type R and went and checked the performance specs to compare it to the Fiesta ST. The numbers were surprisingly similar with the Fiesta bettering it slightly in a couple ares. The only compliant with the Fiesta is that it has made me better acquainted with my chiropractor! due to the harsh ride on pock marked city streets. I find it interesting that you mentioned how much you liked the BMW 228i in this video. I tested that car and fell in love with it. After a spirited drive in the BMW, I got in my Fiesta to drive home. The love was still strong.
Thanks for bringing it with another Fiesta ST Vid. Loving mine so far and just getting to know it after 800 miles. The trail braking oversteer is .... amusing.
The soft touch upper door panels are part of the interior premier trim option. $395 option that is really a no-brainer. Better stitching on the seats and door panels, "leather wrapped" (vinyl) and stitched dashboard, and the soft touch upper door panels. Glad I added it to my order because I almost missed it.
I owned a 1985.5 SVO Mustang. It came stock with 4 wheel disk brakes, Koni adjustable shocks, inch longer control arms and 16 inch rims (15 for the GT). It also put out only 5 less hp than the GT. Getting an extra 40hp and about 300 lbs of torque from an CAI and down pipe plus a bump of a few lbs of boost made it so much more than a GT. It handled like a true sports car of its time and had the power for its time. So I'm looking forward to getting an ecoboost but I'm not expecting what I had in the SVO for the track. Well, not until I add colliers and a few more handing goodies. After all the upgrades it will still be cheaper than a GT and it will be a blast on the track. Oh and I had a couple of 5.0s. I loved them and still do but I want a sleeper on the track. Everyone has expectations of a GT but not so with the little 2.3
PC Master Race i'm sure people said the same thing about the previous generation of F-150's and ford some how managed to add aluminum with out any major price increases , how do u explain that ????
Also on your Fiesta ST the clutch return spring can be popped out with your finger and it gives you better feeling and is much more linear. Also hopefully someone lets you drive a big turbo Focus ST /Fiesta ST
For someone that wants the look of a Mustang with a great interior, at $6k cheaper than the GT, the Ecoboost Premium is a great car. But buying this car with intentions of modifying it is kind of pointless. Adding the cost of a stage 2 or 3 tune puts you within spitting distance of a GT, with more power and better reliability. Matt said it best. Ford only put out the Ecoboost so they could sell the car globally, not because it's a great performance option.
I'm a regular driver driving Fiesta 1.6 130hp powershift......I have no idea how Fiesta compares to cars like Mustang or Camaro because I have driven these cars but one thing I can say for sure, the way my Fiesta drives it puts those Civics, Corollas, Jettas to shame. You can't ask for more in 18 grands. This car is so much fun to drive and it encourages you to go fast so much that I'm having real hard time to keep myself under the speed limits on the highways.
They should have went on and called the Ecoboost version the Mustang SVO anyhow. But it's sad that we never got the two door hatch Fiesta ST over here. I'm not a Ford guy, yet I like cars when they're done right. And I like these two.
To those of you doubting how much fun the fiesta is, as one of you said, "go to bed". Matt, thanks for the video. I'm fully bolted on and tuned for 40% ethonal and it's a blast. However I think socal Cobbs dyno numbers are a tad high. Literally no other fiesta has put up the numbers you have. On same mods anyway.
Drive, thank you. please keep it coming, this type of videos i could watch so many times. and your host, he amazing the way how he talks and gets in to the car's details is on point. the bald and the beard are your best host!
Matt, The soft upper door panels come with the 'Premier Trim' and any 50th anniversary package or Limited Edition of the 2015 Mustangs. Even stepping up to a Ecoboost or GT Premium, you still will have to spec that trim (only ~$400...well worth it) or the 50th anniversary to get all the soft touch stuff.
Bought my '86 SVO in late 1985. First year DOT approved aero headlamps and mandated the 3rd brake light. If memory serves Ford downplayed the power figures of the SVO because they thought it would hurt GT sales. 30 years later I bought a '16 FiST :)
It's nice to have the option of a performance economy car that offers 4 doors and lots of storage room. My girlfriend has a '15 honda fit and we use that car for everything.
Josh Wallace I've been unimpressed with every stock Lotus Elise/Exige I've driven. Sometimes they understeer, sometimes they oversteer, seemingly at random, and they are always incredibly painful for me to drive.
It's ok to be salty... You've never driven a fiesta ST... I've had both an Elise out and a track prepped cayman S, although the handling is different, the fiesta ST in certain respects handles better than them both due to its great dampening setup.
DasCayman The Fiesta ST drives way better than it should... not that I'm complaining of course! It's one of those cars that will be talked about fondly in 20 years.
Yeah, weight is one of those things you just can't trick. You can change and tweak all you want, but at the end of the day? 800 pounds is 800 pounds, and it's going to change the dynamics of a car on the road... I like my Saab 9-3 hatch, it's 3100 pounds, but even comparing it to my Saab 900 which is 2700 that weight can be noticed.
I sat in a GT at the dealer and it had hard upper door panels like this ecoboost. I am wondering what the difference is. I was very disappointed by the door upper and the transmission tunnel being hard plastic.
Matt, you have to come to Australia to drive a real turbo charged Ford. The F6 falcon is a 4 door 5 seater with a 4L inline turbo 6 with 310kw and 550nm of torque. They were so heavily restricted from the factory that with the same mods as you did to the fiesta the falcon would get more like 500kw and 1100 - 1200nm of torque which makes them more than capable of a low 10 second quarter at full weight which is about 1900kg
great vid as usual Matt! I'm wondering about weight balance on the mustang, being a turbo does the front end have the same weight as the V8? I4 turbos and the piping for turbos often come out as heavy as an aluminium V8 does, is this the case here?
I have the gt and it is a little more nose heavy. The gt has a 53/47 weight bias towards the front and if I'm not mistaken the ecoboost is more like 51/49.
Finally the /Drive we love is back! Now we need Chris Harrison back in /Drive, even through he left Drive without notice before, still I miss his chemistry with /Drive team.
Power and torque figures for the fiesta are over inflated compared to cobb’s own website claims. They say for their stage 3 package you’d get 23% more power and 41% more torque which would be 246bhp at the crank and 250 lb ft of torque. The figures Matt quoted blow every other tuner out of the water when using a stock turbo and bolt ons on the fiesta.
should i get the fiesta st over the focus st? i test drove focus and loved it! of i got the fiesta i would have a lower payment/lower fuel costs. just wondering if i would get bored with the power level (stock)
Depends on your needs. I don't have a family to take around, and I came from a shit civic with shit suspension. The fiesta st was perfect for me in every way. Focus st was just too big for my personal tastes. I do not regret getting the fiesta any bit, but definitely take time to do pros and cons to see which is for you.
sir, you need to get into a fully tuned Ecoboost Mustang. FR/Borla/StainlessWorks Turbo back exhaust with 200 cpi racing cat, Milk gallon-sized JLT CAI, SCT/Bama Tune, resonator delete for Y pipe, etc. Did all to my 2015 EB, about $3k on top of the $37k cost of the car (loaded; less auto, radar cruise and the non-sense Recaro's - stock seats are perfect, heat/cooled/12 way power + power lumbar and great leather). Legit 0-60 4 sec flat car now, stilling getting low 20's under hard driving & sounds unreal, partic at 4000+. Redline reset to 7400. Only downside, with close to 450lb ft now, eating the Pirelli's quickly, but worth it. This car tuned is as nice as many cars costing 2-3x as much, a few I almost bought. EB Stang - all it needs is a few $1000 spent in the aftermarket. The 2.3L is strong!
thx sir - appreciate. Big SVO fan in the day, managed to buy a 1985.5 about 10 yrs ago with 22k miles on it. Enjoyed it, sold it a few yrs later to a Dr. A great car in the 1980's, but the new S550 Stangs, all models, are serious rivals to European's best sport cars in my eye. Best looking car on the road for under $100k
+A Hun Music I agree and love the love of the redesigned Mustang, especially the chassis and how it handles. My only issues are it's overall length, weight and vague steering feel. Curious, did you upgrade the intercooler? They say it makes a huge difference since heatsoak can occur quick fast on the stock one.
+A Hun Music I've been test driving the Mustang Ecoboost and GT a lot lately, trying to decide if A) it's worth switching too, and B) if making the switch, do I go for the turbo or classic V8. Although I don't mind the Ecoboost, that Coyote engine is glorious and just keeps pulling to 7k redline. Sounds great albeit muted in stock form.
I had the 2013 with the 420 hp Coyote ...so same basic motor as current (and heavier S550 new car). Yes, great motor. Dig in hard on the back roads, was seeing 14-15 mpg. Watched gas gauge as much as tach. EcoBoost with the mods, is just as fast, more TQ and lighter. Same backroad running, getting 23 mpg. With a good CAI/Tune/DP and the highly recommended FordRacing/Borla exhaust (come with Y pipe - so the heavy resonator can be removed) ...this to me feels and sounds like the Porsche Caymen S I almost bought for 2x the money. Winding out the 2.3T is more fun, in my opinion the 5.0 - you can use the power better. 50% better MPG, less stops at gas station big plus for me. The new Stang in general is an amazing car for the $$. 2.3T with about $3k in mods, and your TQ is potentially MORE than that of the GT350 ...so bragging rights and you feel it on the road. WRX Sti played cat and mouse with ...he was having a hard time keeping up, Stang pulling 24-25 psi was too much for him.
TheSmokingTire My friend saw you up there at glendora filming, I wish I had gone with him. He was in a dark grey lowered mustang, he saw you in the turnout. You need to do more shoots up there, very fun, technical road.
Matt, my 1979 Mustang Cobra had a 2.3 L turbo engine which cost me $7,300 new from a dealer here in Canada. So that was the first turbo 4 Mustang. Correct me if I am wrong.
+Carlos Finch You can buy quite a few turbo upgrade kits these days that will bring you north of 400whp. With just a turbo swap, intake, exhaust and a tune. With an additional intercooler swap you can get to 500hp
Lol at 280 lb.ft my fwd mazdaspeed 3 is pushing 400 lb ft at the wheels. Matt its hard to imagine a tuned and bolted ms3 wouldn't keep up with your fiesta.
What we discovered here is that Ford Europe needs to get hold of the Mustang and show Ford North America how to set it up correctly though to give Ford NA its due they are moving in the right direction. If I, here in the UK, could afford to buy new, I would definitely consider a Mustang though.
When will you be on the Joe Rogan podcast again? You had one of the best podcasts ive heard so far. And ive listen to them all lol. Maybe you can do a podcast with just driving the ST????????
It is quite refreshing to see Americans enjoying "European" style hot hatches over raw horsepower. My advice? "There's always something faster than you on the road: Target agility, its so much more fun" :) and its hard to out turn one of these mechanical masterpieces.
Is the fiesta really a better drivers car than the focus ST?? I tested both and became complete in love with the focus, so it's hard to believe that fords best Hot hatch is the little 1.6 :/
They really should've picked the focus ST and tuned that. There is companies that custom tune e85 mixes and have made 300whp and 380 ft/lb of torque. I mean handles just as well if not better. Throw on a rear sway bar and some stiffer springs and you have yourself a beast of a car. The only reason I know this is because well...... I own one. Video on my channel of me chasing around a 2015 5.0 in the mountains before springs and sway bar. But still full bolt on and tune.
I've owned a 2014 FOST and currently a 2014 FiST (traded 'UP'). To say the focus st handles better than the FiST is the most incorrect statement. It weighs not only 500lbs less but is way more controllable, flickable, and tossable, and predictable.
Brandon Cardoso The Focus ST is a great car. We'd have probably got one of those until we got the Fiesta ST as a press car for a week and went, "OOOHHH. It's supposed to be like this!" Ordered the Fiesta the next day.
Brandon Cardoso I know you don't get them, but you can straight up just pull your focus rs into pumaspeed and roll out with 400hp 580nm for 3k, god I want one of those cars, gonna check out your video
Jesus krist is this vid appreciated.... i am soo torn between goin and buyin a FIST naow... or trying to hold out for the FORS ... and i have been considering a mustang as well... but more so the GT.
Ian Enciso Get the FIST. I did and I haven't regretted that decision. You will hardly see the car on the road just like we will hardly see the FORS. The only ST badges you see on the road are FOST badges.
nice. Thx for the feedback Ya I see the FIST being cheaper to insure... easer to park (i live in the city) and pluss... it has orange n black recaros wich for me is awesome.
They said the roll cage was only for safety and didn't increase rigidity of the vehicle, and they used high performance street legal tires, I'm pretty sure.
travis4161 He's mentioned on the podcast that the only reason to get the Focus over the Fiesta is if you need the extra space. That's the only reason I bought the Focus over the Fiesta as well. The Focus ST is still a ton of fun to drive, and that torque is even more intoxicating, but they really hit the sweet spotwith the Fiesta.
6:38 "There's no squeaks or rattles." I appreciate this video is 9 years old but, having bought mine second hand, with 55k on the clock, I have to say that this is incorrect. It's the "creakiest" car I have ever had, and there's lots of rattles and noises from the interior. Not enough to bother me, but there are there.
Focus has more power and more room, but it's a bit more mature mannered (suspension is a little softer, seats not quite as heavily bolstered) and not quite as fun to drive.
This car must be special..Matt F, Johnny lieberman, and other automobile journalists bought it... I need a daily/beater/occasional track car... Good fuel efficiency.. Occasional child or dog.. Maybe should get one? Over a gti? Over a brz, a used rx8 r3, s2000, wrx... Is it that good?
Good handling, probably still get a manual transmission option, probably cheaper to afford, quick and lighter... what’s there not to like other than it’s not a v8?
I agree stangs have came a long way and finally ford is competing against some euro. models now. However it bleeds my heart to see that sort of engine size 2.3 litre turbo seriously! Better opt for V6. Anyways I drive '13 stang GT that's y maybe I m getting emotional 😊
As a Mustang GT owner, I'm sick of defending the Ecoboost Mustang. It's a good engine and makes plenty of power. I hope more people drive the Ecoboosts and realize how great they are.
I had a '15 5.0 for 4 days when financing fell through, so I got the Ecoboost instead. I'm so in love with the car even from going from the 5.0. Sure I do love the 5.0 especially the noise it makes, however it is not too hard to get the Ecoboost to close to the same power that the 5.0 makes. I absolutely love my Ecoboost Stang. And I love that it's different
Lane House I agree with how good those engines are, but a 4-cylinder engine in a Mustang is like horse with dog´s legs... awful, stupid, wrong, a big bad joke!!!
driven 2 and absolutley loved them!!! In fact, I think, in a near future those engines could/should be a lot faster than any big V8 But a V8 is a different world!!! I obviously one day...one day I... one day I´ll own... one day...V8!!!!!!
@@xsbgtr I'm hungry
@@xsbgtr I disagree. It's an extremely solid engine that can make over 400 wheel horsepower with just a cold air intake, intercooler, catback, downpipe, and a bigger turbo. People have even been able to get them over 600 horsepower with more mods. For reference, stock GT's from the current generation make 400 wheel horsepower stock. It's a little 4 cylinder that doesn't sound great but still. It can go very fast therefore it deserves the Mustang name on it imo. But i'll agree to disagree.
I think we should start a challenge to see if we can find a car Matt likes more than the Fiesta.
I'm sure that will be when the RS comes out.
Marcel West-Bailey I believe there have been some One-Take videos he's done where he _really_ liked the way the cars were setup. The only thing I can think of is the Skyline GTR R34 he drove while in NZ. But let's face it: What are the odds of that happening?
Marcel West-Bailey There are loads of cars I like more than the Fiesta. But all of them are 2-3x the price of the Fiesta. For that kind of money, nothing comes close.
***** Very nice car. Only driven the Mk 7 for a minute at willow springs, but we have one coming in 2 weeks that I get to become a bit more acquainted with. I really hate VW's Multimedia system compared to Ford's, and the GTI is a bit mature for my taste. I think the Fiesta is a lot more fun to drive at the expense of a little bit of refinement, and more direct than the GTI (especially if said GTI is a manual). Also, just built one on VW's web site and with as close as possible spec, and same trade in value, the GTI was $84/month more than the Fiesta ST on a lease.
TheSmokingTire how about the Crawford BRZ you looked excited driving that light weight rear wheel drive little monster !!!
I just bought a silver Fiesta ST about a month ago. Love the car, it's super fun and still practical. I was deciding between a WRX,FRS,TC, but the Fiesta ST came out on top as the best all around everyday sports car for anybody who uses their car for real world chores and people with kids.
TC doesn't even belong in that list lol
I've owned both. I now have a 2020 Mustang Ecoboost, but owned a 2014 and 2016 Fiesta ST (the latter being stolen). I'd happily say that the Fiesta was more fun! It's an awesome car, and I'd still own mine now, had it not being stolen. That said, the Mustang was always my dream car and, now I own one, it's the only car since the Fiesta that literally puts a smile on my face every day. It's more luxurious, faster, louder and gets more attention from bystanders (I'm in England, for context). But it's also more expensive to own and run, and I'm not denying that.
To summarise, the Fiesta is definitely more fun and is THE best car in it's price bracket. BUT, I would have still always wanted a Mustang when I owned a Fiesta. I don't long for a Fiesta now I own a Mustang (although I'd definitely get a 2014-207 Fiesta if/when I need to be more sensible in the future).
I know I’m late to the party, but I just wanted to say that even though we all know Matt loves his Fiesta ST he did give the ecoboost Mustang a fair review. I’m with him though, the manual gearbox makes for a much more engaged driving experience. Almost bought the GT, but in the end the ecoboost made more sense as a daily driver.
Matt is a Lucky guy. He gotten to drive cars some of us only dream of driving. After reviewing many many write ups and youtube reviews . We purchase 2015 fiesta st, Cobb tune and borla. Exhaust when on! I see why Matt loves this little pocket rocket. For one gear head to another Thanks Matt!
Never was a Ford guy until I overtook 911's and Bmw's on the Nurburgring with a Transit Van with just a tune on it, will upload a Gopro lap tomorrow 10:18btg
Nathan Sijpkes How the fuck is that even possible?
Ramses De Vuyst Look at my channel bro, skill is everything
Nathan Sijpkes So basically you like ford because you overtook a 911 and BMW's. you know that most people who can afford cars like can't drive for shit.
santclause1 I love all cars bro, that makes me a car guy. I even love the Toyota Prius with all my being. Nah except the Prius
Nathan Sijpkes We all hate priuses :) I once bursted out in laughter when I saw one burning on the motorway
The 2016 Mustang Ecoboost is a great tourer. I just came back from a 800 mile 2 day trip and it was a joy to drive and very comfortable. And considering it has about the same amount of power as a 2009 Mustang GT, it's plenty of fun when you plant your foot. I like to describe the Mustang as fun in 6 second intervals, because that's the most time you can accelerate before you risk running afoul of the law.
For reference, I've also put 3k miles on the 2015 Mustang GT including the exact same 800 mile trip and there's not really anything it can do that the Ecoboost can't do in almost the same amount of time. I find because of the lighter front end, the Ecoboost actually corners better. The only thing I miss from the GT is the sound of the V8 engine idling. Very happy with my purchase.
Bought a new 1986 SVO
30 years and one test driver later bought a new 2016 Fiesta ST
Test drove a few cars, the FiST was the only one that made me want to drive, something I have not felt in years.
I owned one of the previous 2.0 ST's and this 1.6 turbo one is so utterly brilliant, its a real shame Americans won't experience British B-roads in them lol.
It is still able to bring an impromptu smile to my face in the tight corners, i don't know what id do without it haha
Matt, I just went back and watched this video. Brilliant. Your are a true sports car enthusiast. I feel like your observations are knowledgable and trustworthy in all the videos I have seen by you. You also seem to know how to test sports cars the way they were designed to be driven. This is not true off everyone making videos these days! I own and daily drive a 2016 Fiesta ST. What an amazing car, especially for the price. I'm very disappointed that Ford has dropped it from the NA market. I considered buying a vintage Accura Integra Type R and went and checked the performance specs to compare it to the Fiesta ST. The numbers were surprisingly similar with the Fiesta bettering it slightly in a couple ares. The only compliant with the Fiesta is that it has made me better acquainted with my chiropractor! due to the harsh ride on pock marked city streets. I find it interesting that you mentioned how much you liked the BMW 228i in this video. I tested that car and fell in love with it. After a spirited drive in the BMW, I got in my Fiesta to drive home. The love was still strong.
Thanks for bringing it with another Fiesta ST Vid. Loving mine so far and just getting to know it after 800 miles. The trail braking oversteer is .... amusing.
The soft touch upper door panels are part of the interior premier trim option. $395 option that is really a no-brainer. Better stitching on the seats and door panels, "leather wrapped" (vinyl) and stitched dashboard, and the soft touch upper door panels. Glad I added it to my order because I almost missed it.
I owned a 1985.5 SVO Mustang.
It came stock with 4 wheel disk brakes, Koni adjustable shocks, inch longer control arms and 16 inch rims (15 for the GT). It also put out only 5 less hp than the GT. Getting an extra 40hp and about 300 lbs of torque from an CAI and down pipe plus a bump of a few lbs of boost made it so much more than a GT.
It handled like a true sports car of its time and had the power for its time.
So I'm looking forward to getting an ecoboost but I'm not expecting what I had in the SVO for the track. Well, not until I add colliers and a few more handing goodies.
After all the upgrades it will still be cheaper than a GT and it will be a blast on the track.
Oh and I had a couple of 5.0s. I loved them and still do but I want a sleeper on the track. Everyone has expectations of a GT but not so with the little 2.3
Now all ford has to do is add aluminum to the mustang and reduce curb weight , borrow some from the new F-150 lol....
Slickpete83 they could borrow the turbo 6 from the f150 while they are at it
Slickpete83 To do that, the GT would be far more expensive.
PC Master Race i'm sure people said the same thing about the previous generation of F-150's and ford some how managed to add aluminum with out any major price increases , how do u explain that ????
Russell Robinson now that's a good idea
Slickpete83 Ford is making less money per F150 sold but they sold 750,000 last year.
The GT does not sell nearly as well.
Love the new mustang! good to see americans making progress in cars, technologically
Matt you are the reason there is a fiesta st in my driveway and im loving it.
Also on your Fiesta ST the clutch return spring can be popped out with your finger and it gives you better feeling and is much more linear. Also hopefully someone lets you drive a big turbo Focus ST /Fiesta ST
For someone that wants the look of a Mustang with a great interior, at $6k cheaper than the GT, the Ecoboost Premium is a great car. But buying this car with intentions of modifying it is kind of pointless. Adding the cost of a stage 2 or 3 tune puts you within spitting distance of a GT, with more power and better reliability. Matt said it best. Ford only put out the Ecoboost so they could sell the car globally, not because it's a great performance option.
I'm a regular driver driving Fiesta 1.6 130hp powershift......I have no idea how Fiesta compares to cars like Mustang or Camaro because I have driven these cars but one thing I can say for sure, the way my Fiesta drives it puts those Civics, Corollas, Jettas to shame. You can't ask for more in 18 grands. This car is so much fun to drive and it encourages you to go fast so much that I'm having real hard time to keep myself under the speed limits on the highways.
But he's driving an ST. Theres a difference.
It doesn't compare speed wise, the car gets dusted. But overall fun? The fiesta is tough to beat.
They should have went on and called the Ecoboost version the Mustang SVO anyhow. But it's sad that we never got the two door hatch Fiesta ST over here. I'm not a Ford guy, yet I like cars when they're done right. And I like these two.
Agree on ALL counts..
To those of you doubting how much fun the fiesta is, as one of you said, "go to bed". Matt, thanks for the video. I'm fully bolted on and tuned for 40% ethonal and it's a blast. However I think socal Cobbs dyno numbers are a tad high. Literally no other fiesta has put up the numbers you have. On same mods anyway.
I'm going to give this a pre-thumb's-up cause I know it's going to be good.
The Mustang is an amazing highway runner while the FiST is a scalpel in the canyons. Where you do the majority of driving will dictate what you buy.
Drive, thank you. please keep it coming, this type of videos i could watch so many times. and your host, he amazing the way how he talks and gets in to the car's details is on point. the bald and the beard are your best host!
Got rid of my wrx for an ‘18 Fist and it was one the best decisions ever!!
Matt,
The soft upper door panels come with the 'Premier Trim' and any 50th anniversary package or Limited Edition of the 2015 Mustangs. Even stepping up to a Ecoboost or GT Premium, you still will have to spec that trim (only ~$400...well worth it) or the 50th anniversary to get all the soft touch stuff.
Bought my '86 SVO in late 1985.
First year DOT approved aero headlamps and mandated the 3rd brake light.
If memory serves Ford downplayed the power figures of the SVO because they thought it would hurt GT sales.
30 years later I bought a '16 FiST :)
That was a good review. I like it when cars from different categories are compared.
Forget the interior the exterior of the 15+ stang is sexy af...
Agreed. Always surprises me when the one percenters say it's 'an ugly ass car'. Opinions and eye of the beholder I guess. 😕
it is very sexy
You missed the / in /TUNED
Great comparison. We need more people making comparos like this- not just the obvious Mustang v Camarov v Challenger, and Focus ST v Golf R.
I think Ford made the right move with the new Mustang
It's nice to have the option of a performance economy car that offers 4 doors and lots of storage room. My girlfriend has a '15 honda fit and we use that car for everything.
You really can't go wrong with either one..both are great cars w/ lots of potential.
Does that Fiesta actually make 218/283 to the wheels? If so that thing is very very quick.
David S Yes he had it dyno'd before and after upgrades
The GT you drove had the "Premier Trim with Color Accent Group" package which is why the doors were soft, you can get that package on the EB as well.
Matt, your fiesta ST does not take corners as quickly as a Lotus Elise. You need to go to bed.
Josh Wallace Technically, he did say close to as fast.
Josh Wallace Seriously when he said that...sigh...
Josh Wallace I've been unimpressed with every stock Lotus Elise/Exige I've driven. Sometimes they understeer, sometimes they oversteer, seemingly at random, and they are always incredibly painful for me to drive.
It's ok to be salty... You've never driven a fiesta ST... I've had both an Elise out and a track prepped cayman S, although the handling is different, the fiesta ST in certain respects handles better than them both due to its great dampening setup.
DasCayman The Fiesta ST drives way better than it should... not that I'm complaining of course! It's one of those cars that will be talked about fondly in 20 years.
Yeah, weight is one of those things you just can't trick. You can change and tweak all you want, but at the end of the day? 800 pounds is 800 pounds, and it's going to change the dynamics of a car on the road...
I like my Saab 9-3 hatch, it's 3100 pounds, but even comparing it to my Saab 900 which is 2700 that weight can be noticed.
only independent suspension at the rear wheels? why not allround, it gives much better handling. or is it just to keep the price down a bid?
Dope vid, ST killin' it, homies need to recognize.
I sat in a GT at the dealer and it had hard upper door panels like this ecoboost. I am wondering what the difference is. I was very disappointed by the door upper and the transmission tunnel being hard plastic.
I'm still so disappointed that Ford didn't use the SVO name for this thing...
FastRedPonyCar they changed it to ford performance team but still i like SVT name ( special vehicle team ) .
You mean SVO?
Ian Thompson
no SVT .
Ian Thompson yeah my bad on that. (though I do miss the SVT division too)
FastRedPonyCar probably because it was developed by ford europe.
i wonder if they offer the v6 twin turbo ecoboost out of the f150's for the mustang
or if its possible to get one
Matt, you have to come to Australia to drive a real turbo charged Ford. The F6 falcon is a 4 door 5 seater with a 4L inline turbo 6 with 310kw and 550nm of torque. They were so heavily restricted from the factory that with the same mods as you did to the fiesta the falcon would get more like 500kw and 1100 - 1200nm of torque which makes them more than capable of a low 10 second quarter at full weight which is about 1900kg
So where would you rank the 228i between the Mustang and Fiesta? Also would you prefer the 235i over the 228i? 4-cyl ecoboost vs V8?
great vid as usual Matt! I'm wondering about weight balance on the mustang, being a turbo does the front end have the same weight as the V8? I4 turbos and the piping for turbos often come out as heavy as an aluminium V8 does, is this the case here?
I have the gt and it is a little more nose heavy. The gt has a 53/47 weight bias towards the front and if I'm not mistaken the ecoboost is more like 51/49.
ruby gt awesome, good to know, and enjoy your awesome car!
Ed ffssx. , x m
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ruby gt 1zzzD x x4
I doubt a turbo 4 cylinder would weight as much as a V8 NA
High revving cars with low torque, such as the Integra Type R, are just as good. But I appreciate the Fiesta-type power delivery as well.
Excellent car battle with a great conclusion. I would take the Mustang!
In Europe the hot hatch to beat is the Renault Megan RS. The best in its league.
The Fietsa ST is the number one small hot hatch.
Ford also made a GT Turbo. Had the same engine as the SVO but no intercooler. Fun car!
how did he do that burnout at 5:15 in the mustang with an automatic????? any one knows??
Just leave it in drive and hold down both pedals.
thanks, i hope nothing will be broken doing that.
gabriox2good nahhhh just brake pads and rubber
Finally the /Drive we love is back! Now we need Chris Harrison back in /Drive, even through he left Drive without notice before, still I miss his chemistry with /Drive team.
Power and torque figures for the fiesta are over inflated compared to cobb’s own website claims. They say for their stage 3 package you’d get 23% more power and 41% more torque which would be 246bhp at the crank and 250 lb ft of torque. The figures Matt quoted blow every other tuner out of the water when using a stock turbo and bolt ons on the fiesta.
did you guys do the cobb springs and sway bars too?
@/DRIVE, do you know if the engine inside the stag is the same that is going to come on the focus RS?
should i get the fiesta st over the focus st? i test drove focus and loved it! of i got the fiesta i would have a lower payment/lower fuel costs. just wondering if i would get bored with the power level (stock)
Depends on your needs. I don't have a family to take around, and I came from a shit civic with shit suspension. The fiesta st was perfect for me in every way. Focus st was just too big for my personal tastes. I do not regret getting the fiesta any bit, but definitely take time to do pros and cons to see which is for you.
sir, you need to get into a fully tuned Ecoboost Mustang. FR/Borla/StainlessWorks Turbo back exhaust with 200 cpi racing cat, Milk gallon-sized JLT CAI, SCT/Bama Tune, resonator delete for Y pipe, etc. Did all to my 2015 EB, about $3k on top of the $37k cost of the car (loaded; less auto, radar cruise and the non-sense Recaro's - stock seats are perfect, heat/cooled/12 way power + power lumbar and great leather). Legit 0-60 4 sec flat car now, stilling getting low 20's under hard driving & sounds unreal, partic at 4000+. Redline reset to 7400. Only downside, with close to 450lb ft now, eating the Pirelli's quickly, but worth it. This car tuned is as nice as many cars costing 2-3x as much, a few I almost bought. EB Stang - all it needs is a few $1000 spent in the aftermarket. The 2.3L is strong!
I think given the choice most would prefer that 5L V8. Glad you're enjoying the 4 banger ecoboost though, sounds like a nice setup you have there!
thx sir - appreciate. Big SVO fan in the day, managed to buy a 1985.5 about 10 yrs ago with 22k miles on it. Enjoyed it, sold it a few yrs later to a Dr. A great car in the 1980's, but the new S550 Stangs, all models, are serious rivals to European's best sport cars in my eye. Best looking car on the road for under $100k
+A Hun Music I agree and love the love of the redesigned Mustang, especially the chassis and how it handles. My only issues are it's overall length, weight and vague steering feel. Curious, did you upgrade the intercooler? They say it makes a huge difference since heatsoak can occur quick fast on the stock one.
+A Hun Music I've been test driving the Mustang Ecoboost and GT a lot lately, trying to decide if A) it's worth switching too, and B) if making the switch, do I go for the turbo or classic V8. Although I don't mind the Ecoboost, that Coyote engine is glorious and just keeps pulling to 7k redline. Sounds great albeit muted in stock form.
I had the 2013 with the 420 hp Coyote ...so same basic motor as current (and heavier S550 new car). Yes, great motor. Dig in hard on the back roads, was seeing 14-15 mpg. Watched gas gauge as much as tach. EcoBoost with the mods, is just as fast, more TQ and lighter. Same backroad running, getting 23 mpg. With a good CAI/Tune/DP and the highly recommended FordRacing/Borla exhaust (come with Y pipe - so the heavy resonator can be removed) ...this to me feels and sounds like the Porsche Caymen S I almost bought for 2x the money. Winding out the 2.3T is more fun, in my opinion the 5.0 - you can use the power better. 50% better MPG, less stops at gas station big plus for me. The new Stang in general is an amazing car for the $$. 2.3T with about $3k in mods, and your TQ is potentially MORE than that of the GT350 ...so bragging rights and you feel it on the road. WRX Sti played cat and mouse with ...he was having a hard time keeping up, Stang pulling 24-25 psi was too much for him.
Just a quick question Matt, how does this fiesta compare to a stock Subaru BRZ ?
Great to see the Smoking Tire Fiesta on /Drive. How much is the finished cost of the Cobb Tuning?
TheSmokingTire My friend saw you up there at glendora filming, I wish I had gone with him. He was in a dark grey lowered mustang, he saw you in the turnout. You need to do more shoots up there, very fun, technical road.
Matt, my 1979 Mustang Cobra had a 2.3 L turbo engine which cost me $7,300 new from a dealer here in Canada. So that was the first turbo 4 Mustang. Correct me if I am wrong.
Is there a noticeable difference between the fucus St and the fiesta?
Focus has more power, but lacks the input you get from a fiesta.
its only automatic or the one you tested hapened to be automatic?
What kind of power are the 2.3's making with full bolt on's and tune?
+Carlos Finch You can buy quite a few turbo upgrade kits these days that will bring you north of 400whp. With just a turbo swap, intake, exhaust and a tune. With an additional intercooler swap you can get to 500hp
+Erwin Mulder how much would all of that usually go for, on average?
+TheOneTheyCallTitan Haven't done much research, but I know one kit that supposedly gets you up to 422 whp and 425 lbft of torque for around $3.5k.
+Erwin Mulder Wow thats pretty damn good! Thanks man
+TheOneTheyCallTitan I've done research since my question, just a tune is 370 HP and 410 ft tq. (Livernois) That's crank numbers, approximate.
280+ lb.ft. AT THE FRONT WHEELS?!? jesus.
Sai Namuduri that's on 91 octane. On race gas it makes 320 lb/ ft at the front wheels and will do burnouts through three gears.
TheSmokingTire And how much whp?
Lol at 280 lb.ft my fwd mazdaspeed 3 is pushing 400 lb ft at the wheels. Matt its hard to imagine a tuned and bolted ms3 wouldn't keep up with your fiesta.
nick pitha
Now the only question: Which engine will blow up first?
Money is on the 1.6
4:45 is by far the best angle I've seen of the new Mustang... otherwise I think it looks pretty ehhhhh.
What we discovered here is that Ford Europe needs to get hold of the Mustang and show Ford North America how to set it up correctly though to give Ford NA its due they are moving in the right direction. If I, here in the UK, could afford to buy new, I would definitely consider a Mustang though.
After watching this video, I want to apply this logic to my '14 passat turbo. I don't know why, but I feel like that would be awesome.
The weight to power of the Fiesta ST sounds good 2700lb/218bhp, but it's still about 20% down on the Elise 1980lb/190bhp..
Im always intrigued when i see a review about the '15 mustang. Maybe ill get a one day borrow from my dealership and see if i want to get it.
longitudinal mounting of an engine means RWD? my 04 passat has a longitudinally mounted engine and i can assure you its FWD.
When will you be on the Joe Rogan podcast again? You had one of the best podcasts ive heard so far. And ive listen to them all lol.
Maybe you can do a podcast with just driving the ST????????
Joe**
It is quite refreshing to see Americans enjoying "European" style hot hatches over raw horsepower.
My advice? "There's always something faster than you on the road: Target agility, its so much more fun" :) and its hard to out turn one of these mechanical masterpieces.
What's with getting /DRIVE videos before /DRIVE+?
Shouldn't supporters get access at least as early as the freeloaders?
William Thieme This video was out on Drive+ 3 months ago.
TheSmokingTire thanks for the explanation!
good video, but why knock the mustang for the auto when it comes in a manual?
whats the beat at 7:43
What's the name of background music at the end? thnx
Has anybody have trouble loading drive videos? Can't see last two episodes
Fantastic and informal video!
I was thinking of a BRZ/FRS. I know the Mustang is heavier but... Plus the aftermarket option list is always strong for the Mustang. Hmmm.
The interior of the mustang is awesome, the ones we get here are anyway! Super high quality, Fuck hatchbacks and imports, it's all about the muscle.
Is the fiesta really a better drivers car than the focus ST?? I tested both and became complete in love with the focus, so it's hard to believe that fords best Hot hatch is the little 1.6 :/
focus st??
Should I buy a Lamborghini or a Civic LX with equal money in parts?
you can't afford either
+3star2nr - You see that dot in the sky? It's the point that flew past you.
+Jimmy Lai lol
They really should've picked the focus ST and tuned that. There is companies that custom tune e85 mixes and have made 300whp and 380 ft/lb of torque. I mean handles just as well if not better. Throw on a rear sway bar and some stiffer springs and you have yourself a beast of a car. The only reason I know this is because well...... I own one. Video on my channel of me chasing around a 2015 5.0 in the mountains before springs and sway bar. But still full bolt on and tune.
I've owned a 2014 FOST and currently a 2014 FiST (traded 'UP'). To say the focus st handles better than the FiST is the most incorrect statement. It weighs not only 500lbs less but is way more controllable, flickable, and tossable, and predictable.
Brandon Cardoso The Focus ST is a great car. We'd have probably got one of those until we got the Fiesta ST as a press car for a week and went, "OOOHHH. It's supposed to be like this!" Ordered the Fiesta the next day.
Brandon Cardoso I know you don't get them, but you can straight up just pull your focus rs into pumaspeed and roll out with 400hp 580nm for 3k, god I want one of those cars, gonna check out your video
That Fiesta looks mighty fine
Jesus krist is this vid appreciated.... i am soo torn between goin and buyin a FIST naow... or trying to hold out for the FORS ... and i have been considering a mustang as well... but more so the GT.
Ian Enciso Get the FIST. I did and I haven't regretted that decision. You will hardly see the car on the road just like we will hardly see the FORS. The only ST badges you see on the road are FOST badges.
nice. Thx for the feedback Ya I see the FIST being cheaper to insure... easer to park (i live in the city) and pluss... it has orange n black recaros wich for me is awesome.
Another very good review from the smoking tire.
You should review the new Honda Civic Type R, I heard that beat a new record in the Nurburgring track in germany
modified civic type r with racing slicks and roll cage to stiffen the car, had set a record....stock card did not set any records.
They said the roll cage was only for safety and didn't increase rigidity of the vehicle, and they used high performance street legal tires, I'm pretty sure.
is this the last tuned ever?
whats your take on the Focus ST?
travis4161 He's mentioned on the podcast that the only reason to get the Focus over the Fiesta is if you need the extra space. That's the only reason I bought the Focus over the Fiesta as well. The Focus ST is still a ton of fun to drive, and that torque is even more intoxicating, but they really hit the sweet spotwith the Fiesta.
Garrett Davis
thx for the info
6:38 "There's no squeaks or rattles." I appreciate this video is 9 years old but, having bought mine second hand, with 55k on the clock, I have to say that this is incorrect. It's the "creakiest" car I have ever had, and there's lots of rattles and noises from the interior. Not enough to bother me, but there are there.
I'd love to see a AWD Fiesta Turbo.
paradoxdesigns watch the wrc sometime. Ford sells those if youve got the cash, road legal too
which color of the mustang?
And what about the focus ST?!
Overhere the focus is the same money as the mustang... ?!?
Focus has more power and more room, but it's a bit more mature mannered (suspension is a little softer, seats not quite as heavily bolstered) and not quite as fun to drive.
THAT was a comparo I was waiting for! Thanks Matt. Which one is faster in a strait line?
0-60 times for each? 1/4 mile?
speed isn't everything. Fiesta is actually pretty slow, but it feels fast and is a fucking riot to drive.
This car must be special..Matt F, Johnny lieberman, and other automobile journalists bought it... I need a daily/beater/occasional track car... Good fuel efficiency.. Occasional child or dog.. Maybe should get one? Over a gti? Over a brz, a used rx8 r3, s2000, wrx... Is it that good?
Good handling, probably still get a manual transmission option, probably cheaper to afford, quick and lighter... what’s there not to like other than it’s not a v8?
I got the v6 since the ego boost felt so odd. Idk regardless they both are nice
I agree stangs have came a long way and finally ford is competing against some euro. models now. However it bleeds my heart to see that sort of engine size 2.3 litre turbo seriously! Better opt for V6. Anyways I drive '13 stang GT that's y maybe I m getting emotional 😊