2001 Ford Fiesta Zetec-S from UK and Ireland - Comments

OK, I own a Ford Focus 2.0 ESP Zetec; it's slightly faster than a Fiesta Zetec S off the mark. I have a few friends who own 106 GTi's and they are a lot faster off the mark and have the same top end. I haven't driven a Fiesta Zetec S, but I know that a 106 GTI/Saxo VTS would smoke it and the Focus to be honest. Focus's are better looking cars than the 106/Saxo boy racer cars.

I do think you all need to grow up, the Zs is a much better car overall, better build quality non of that french tat! the ford engine will out last any french muck and won't fall apart, the road holding of the Zs is far better I think you should all look at the cars standard first without all your pathetic mods~! standard (as ford intended it) the Zs wins every contests against any standard 106gti or vts. escort cosworth will eat you all anyway!

I think you sir should grow up!

Standard Z's have no chance againt a 106 GTi or a VTS! In terms of handling and power there the Pug and Citreon would walk all over the Z's! I do agree how-ever that the ford would be slighly more reliable tho.

I own a ZS and I wouldn't trade it for a VTR if you paid me. A ZS is far less chavish and common than a VTR, and it looks the mutts nuts compared to a (feminine) 106/206 GTi.

I wouldn't say the Ford is a lot more reliable as they are pretty cheap as well, but for someone not interested in modding cars, someone who just wants a relatively quick hatchback without breaking the bank on insurance and petrol, I would strongly recommend a ZS.

In terms of interior, what do you except when you pay a small amount brand new. You aren't going to get Rolls Royce quality.

Sorry, I have got to laugh at the bloke with the Focus RS. Yeah mate you may be able to pull away, but then again it is an RS isn't it and not a 106 GTI. Oh and for the record I have a Focus ST which is a better car overall than the old RS, i.e. it doesn't torque steer into a hedge when I put my foot down! And is better put together / more equipped etc.

Can everybody stop this nonsense of my car is faster than yours, if you're not going to make a whole heartedly relevant comparison like standard for standard, then can you please not comment.

This comment is for the both sides, both cars are good little hatchbacks, but they both have their drawbacks, such as the Zetec S with performance; still good, but not amazing, and the VTR with its reliability.

Saying that though, I have a Clio 1.2 and had it for two years, and only the clutch went, and people still stay that Renault is unreliable, so don't believe everything you hear.

The VTS on the other hand is a totally different kettle of fish. The performance is brilliant; my mate's got a Zetec S modified, and he raced a standard VTS and the VTS blew him away easily, and this would happen when you put a VTR up against a VTS.

One car that is a lot better than a Zetec S and a VTR is the Suzuki Ignis Sport. Trust me, they are reliable, have good mileage and awesome performance. My cousin's got an Astra VXR, and his mate's got a Iggi Sport lightly modded, and they raced and the Ignis kept up with the Astra up until about 85. Trust me, don't be a hater, but Zetec S and VTR owners should have a look at the Iggi Sport.

You tried to give a balanced comment, then ruined it with false claims about the Ignis Sport. For those who don't know, it is 108bhp and has a kerb weight of 940kg (rough figures) giving it a power to weight ratio of about 113bhp per ton. Compare this to the Astra VXR's 170+bhp per ton and it should be obvious that unless you add 50bhp to the Ignis, you are not on a level footing.

The 98bhp Saxo VTR has a power to weight of around 110bhp per ton, meaning the Ignis is more on a par with that, even a VTS has 130bhp per ton.

In the real world a car is only as good as its driver, and unless you are on a piece of road where both cars can go flat out for a decent stretch, then you won't tell similar powered cars apart - but when you start comparing Ignis Sports to VXR's, it just gets silly.

OK, I do understand that it might sound a bit silly, but trust me, I've seen it with my own two eyes, I swear on my parent's life.

I know I tried to give a balanced comment, but I tried listing an alternative to a VTR and Zetec S because it's more reliable, faster and a lot of fun to drive. Much better than a VTR and a Zetec S. My girlfriend's mate got a Iggy Sport, and he has a rotex supercharger fitted, 4-2-1 manifold, fast road cams, ECU remapped, smaller flywheel and a full through exhaust system, and it has been proven on a rolling road at 210 bhp, 0-60 is low 6s, bye bye Astra VXR, VTR, Zetec S, and ST and a VTR.

Trust me people, don't be a sheep ha.

How can you compare a heavily modified car like that to a Zetec S or Saxo or any other car. Get one of those cars and bolt the same stuff to it, then compare them.

I don't get why people are trying to argue about what's faster? The VTS and 106 GTi's are faster than ZS and VTRs - simple?! And ZS are faster than VTRs (standard obviously). I don't care who the driver is!

I've had a Zetec-S for almost 10 years now (from new) and it's just passed 100k. Never broken down and unfortunately the ABS has just stopped working (went down intermittently through the summer).

I still get the funny self-testing noise, but the yellow lights stay on on the display.

About to get a quote from Ford for fixing before I sell. Accept any offers if anyone is interested!

Only issues I've had is that knocking in the front left sus - no other troubles.

Been a great little car, nippy, great handling, fairly economical.