Fiesta ST's... whats to know?

I've driven a 182 briefly and it was appreciably quicker and revvier (and sweeter sounding) than a standard ST, but the driving position, seats and interior were not as good as in the Ford. The whole interior as whole seemed a generation back from the facelift Fiesta to me.

Handling wise I didn't think there was much in it really in all honesty (this was comparing my ST which was stock at the time, to a stock 182), the Clio felt lighter on its feet and a little more eager to turn in, possibly thanks to smaller wheels/narrower rubber, but it didn't shame the Ford handling wise as far as I'm concerned. I must stress as I was borrowing a mates car (the Clio) I was not pushing it hard.

I liked the 182 a lot but was put off by the horror stories in terms of reliability and running costs (exhausts, driveshafts, electrical gremlins, expensive cambelt changes) and I didn't like the interior at all. In my view the Ford looks significantly better inside and out and costs less to run....for me that swung it. The 182 is probably the better drivers car if thats all you cared about, but a better everday car? In my opinion the pluses in pace did not override the things that concerned me about it as an ownership prospect.

I've not driven a 197 or 200, I expect them to be better as an overall package than both the Fiesta or previous gen Clio but then they are a newer and more expensive car :)

All in my opinion :)
 
Stormster said:
Loads of cheap pre-facelifts..

I just don't know if I'd feel hard done by not having the nicer dash... Could always replace the front lights I guess lol.

Are there any other differences actually between pre and post 55 reg cars?? Just dash and lights?
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here the list of differences from STOC

front lights
rear lights with 2 reversing lights + 2 fog lights
soft touch dash facia available in blue red and pewter
Dials which now include analogue fuel and temp guages
onboard computer which has -outside temp - mpg - miles left - average speed and other settings
1 touch down electric window
gear lever surround and interior door handles are now shiney not matt
vents for side windows have been moved onto the dash
sidelights switch on when unlocked (home safe lights)
new style cdplayer
Steering wheel airbag reshaped
variable timing wipers
lane change indicators (1 touch 3 flashes)

new added options
Bluetooth hands free phone with voice control system
Portable music connection socket
Electric folding mirrors
Rain sensor including auto headlights activation
EATC - Electronic Auto Temperature control
Second remote key
 
 
Trouble with the mountuned cars is the exhaust, quite loud and really really droney, especially at motorway speeds..of course some people love that sort of thing but for others it's rather anti-social and not their cup of tea at all and there's really no way around it if you want/need the extra power.

The Fiesta ST is an odd one, it's a lot better than people give it credit for but at the same time it's not great either. It can be improved upon but I don't personally buy into it being particularly good when you have to change quite a lot of major components just to get it on a level playing field to competitors standard cars.

I did enjoy mine in the time I had it, but it wasn't a confidence inspiring car imo, at higher speeds the back end felt very loose and unpredictable, this was more than likely down to the eibachs I had fitted (which also ruined the ride). I can't help but feel if it wasn't for the fact it has the 2L duratec it'd never really be compared to the clio 1*2 etc, it occupies a no mans land of being more capable and quicker than your usual warm hatch, but it doesn't quite exhibit the characteristics of a true hot hatch...this is the appeal of it really, offers 85% of hot hatch performance with pretty reasonable running costs.
 
The fiesta ST strikes me as this generations 206 gti, quick, competent, good looking, cheap to run, but ultimately outgunned against comparable cars of it's generation, unless £ is spent.
 
Witor said:
I think it was, when released but hey, agree to disagree here. Still, point stands that it was outgunned unless £ spent.
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It was the beginning of the end for Peugeot. The 205 GTI? Brilliant. The 106 GTI? Brilliant. The 306 GTI-6? Brilliant.

The 206 GTI?

A steaming turd of a car.
 
206GTi 180? Ha pile of turd! Although the seats are very nice!

Seriously can't see the point in a ST whilst there are other much better cars around, such as the 182 and CTR. But everybody like choice and fair enough.

If you are looking at a hot hatch type car, just get the better packaged 182. No brainer. Much cheaper to buy and all this modding talk, spend the same amount on a 182 and the ST would not see which way it went. Go onto a B road and the ST would get spanked.
 
[TW]Fox said:
Witness the rarest of all occasions. Me and MikeHiow in complete agreement.
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Quick, let's argue before the world implodes.

RSClio said:
206GTi 180? Ha pile of turd! Although the seats are very nice!

Seriously can't see the point in a ST whilst there are other much better cars around, such as the 182 and CTR. But everybody like choice and fair enough.

If you are looking at a hot hatch type car, just get the better packaged 182. No brainer. Much cheaper to buy and all this modding talk, spend the same amount on a 182 and the ST would not see which way it went. Go onto a B road and the ST would get spanked.
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I wonder what the cost of running and maintaining an ST vs. a 182 would be? :)

Having the cam and aux belts done just once on the Clio takes you a significant way toward the ST modifications ;)
 
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