2012 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Honda Fit

When it comes to gas-sipping compacts, the 2012 Ford Fiesta and 2012 Honda Fit certainly give the rest of the class a run for its money. With virtually universal positive reviews, both models are likely to be a good match for those seeking affordability, reliability and comfort. Keep reading to compare the pricing, features and mpgs of the 2012 Ford Fiesta and 2012 Honda Fit.

Styling: 2012 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Honda Fit

Both the Fiesta and Fit come in a stylish and sporty hatchback design. The Fiesta also offers the option of stepping into a sedan model. Comparing the two hatchback designs, the Fiesta's more rounded exterior and tapered rear end may prove more appealing to some drivers. However, both models boast pulled-back headlights and utilitarian dimensions that result in fairly similar silhouettes.

Inside, the Honda Fit benefits from a rear "Magic Seat" that gives it the leg up when it comes to storage options. However, the Ford Fiesta earns a couple points of its own thanks to its slightly more upscale interior. Overall storage capacity for the Honda Fit is listed at 57 cubic feet. This is considerably more than the Fiesta's 26 cubic feet of maximum storage.

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Performance: 2012 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Honda Fit

Both the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit could be described as peppy. However, the Ford Fiesta's 120-hp 1.6-liter engine delivers the slightest of edges over the Fit's 117-hp 1.5-liter engine. Despite this slight advantage, the Ford Fiesta also manages to deliver better fuel efficiency. At its best, the Ford offers 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway (SFE models only). In comparison, the Honda Fit delivers an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Review full 2012 Ford Fiesta specifications

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Safety: 2012 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Honda Fit

Standard safety features available on the Ford Fiesta hatchback include antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag (an exclusive standard feature in the subcompact class). The Honda Fit's standard safety features are similar. However, there is no driver's knee airbag and antilock brakes come in the form of front discs and rear drums.

In crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Honda Fit earned a best-possible rating of "Good" in frontal and side crash tests. In roof-strength tests, the Fit received a second-best rating of "Acceptable." The Ford Fiesta earned a "Good" rating across the board.

Pricing and Features: 2012 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Honda Fit

When it comes to pricing, the Ford Fiesta delivers a more attractive base MSRP ($14,100 vs. $15,175). However, the sedan-only base model is fairly bare bones, with a feature list that includes 15-inch wheels, power mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering wheel and four-speaker stereo with auxiliary input. Opt for the $15,670 SE model, and you've got a Ford Fiesta that is similarly equipped (and priced) to the base Honda Fit. Standard features on the Honda Fit include keyless entry, air conditioning, 60/40 rear split seat, full power accessories, cruise control, four-speaker stereo, auxiliary input and CD player.

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