Compact vehicles such as the Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta don't exactly scream family, nor do they exude middle-aged professional. If these models lack the seriousness and conservatism of other cars, it is not by accident. The target market for vehicles such as these definitely leans more to the youthful single type individual, making some nontraditional features more important than usual.
Although the Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta have many similarities, there are some glaring differences as well. So which vehicle is the one that will meet the needs of a care free, fun filled lifestyle? It's important to compare all your options when making such a large decision.
Performance
While you may not see a lot of drag racing in your future, having a car that performs well is certainly important. Neither the Toyota Yaris nor the Ford Fiesta claim to be "muscle cars," however they do hold their own bragging rights when it comes to how they perform.
The Ford Fiesta features a 4 cylinder 120 horsepower engine, giving it the little bit of "get up and go" that makes for a fun ride. Electric-assisted power steering adds to the fun by making the Ford Fiesta easy to maneuver around whatever you might encounter on your next road trip.
The Toyota Yaris comes standard with a 4 cylinder 106 horsepower engine which, I'm told, is isn't exactly going to knock anyone's socks off, but will still be sufficient to get you from point A to point B. The SE model boasts stiffer suspension and more precise handling, making the upgrade, perhaps, worth the extra cost.
Fuel Efficiency
The beauty of buying a compact car like the Toyota Yaris or Ford Fiesta is that they tend to have better fuel efficiency. According to the government website on fuel economy, a 2012 standard automatic Toyota Yaris can get up to 30 miles per hour in the city and 35 on the highway. Ford's 2012 automatic Fiesta comes in at 29 miles per hour in the city and a whopping 39 on the highway. Thankfully, both vehicles, it seems, are similar in their ability to get you where you need to be without breaking the bank.
Standing at the gas pump and watching the cost climb higher and higher as your tank fills can be a sickening feeling. Nobody wants to pay more than they have to for gas, which is why it is so important to find a car that is fuel efficient.
Safety
Although safety should be the very top priority when choosing a vehicle for yourself, fun and features sometimes weigh out the practicality of such decisions. Despite your father's voice in your ear telling you a minivan might be safer than a Mustang, you know which one you chose when it came down to it. Luckily for compact car seekers, car manufacturers have found a way to combine a small fun vehicle with safety that will make dear old Dad breathe a sigh of relief.
Ford Fiesta contains seven airbags and includes a safety cage that surrounds the driver and front passenger that is made up of boron, an element used by the aerospace industry and known for its strength. An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top safety pick, it's safety features can certainly give you piece of mind when driving amongst other larger vehicles.
The Yaris holds bragging rights to Toyota's Star Safety System which includes their Smart stop technology. This feature works on any speed greater than 5 miles per hour and helps bring the vehicle to a stop if you are forced to slam on your brakes, a feature that could definitely come in handy while driving on traffic filled roadways or even just maneuvering through busy parking lots. Nine airbags are strategically placed throughout the vehicle to ensure that you and all your passengers are safe.
Both cars come standard with antilock brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system, a personal favorite, which allows you to see when your tires are in need of air without the hassle of getting out and checking them yourself.
Interior Features
Half the fun of getting a new car is cruising around in it. For this reason, you want to be sure that the vehicle you select is both comfortable and that it offers the amenities that will make you enjoy your new ride. Features such as air conditioning and power locks can be non-negotiables when it comes to convenience. Fortunately, both the Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta offers these as standard features. Many other "comfort" features, however, are either not available in these models are only obtained by paying an upgrade price.
The Ford Fiesta offers flexibility with its features, making many of them optional on the base model. The stereo system provided in the Ford Fiesta includes an AM/FM radio with a CD player and MP3 option available on all models. While the standard vehicle comes with four speakers for your listening enjoyment, the Fiesta provides a six speaker upgrade option. Also available for the Fiesta is SYNC, the voice activated technology system that helps you stay connected without taking your eyes off of the road.
The Toyota Yaris took into account that its target audience is largely made up of socially savvy car drivers when it determined the standard stereo system features for its vehicles. Each car comes equipped with an AM/FM radio, a CD player with MP3 playback capability, and a USB port to play your iPod. While the only speaker option remains at four, you will have your choice of tunes wherever you go. Also standard on the Yaris, are convenience features such as outside temperature displays, day/night rearview mirrors, and fold down rear seats.
Exterior Features
Besides the comfort level inside your new vehicle, the next best thing is looking good on the outside of your new car. Personal preferences such as spoilers and alloy wheels are optional features available on both the Toyota Yaris and the Ford Fiesta. Other, less noticeable options, however, vary amongst these two vehicles. The Toyota Yaris comes standard with features such as a rear wiper, steel wheels, and multi reflector halogen head lamps. The Ford Fiesta wows its driver with power mirrors and LED supplemental parking lamps.
Whether you prefer the Yaris for its larger variety of standard features or the Fiesta for its dragon's-eye head lamps and sleek look, you will have to weigh your options to determine what is most important to you. Luckily, with both cars rating high in safety and fuel efficiency, it gives you time to focus on the fun stuff.
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