Nothing at all.
The Zetec-S isn't the quickest in a straight line compared to Saxo VTS's or Pug 106 GTi's, but will keep up in the twisty stuff.
The handling is really good and is cheaper to insure than the above examples.
The car has to have the best steering feel and feedback, although the car's turning circle is pretty poor for such a small car!
The gear change is excellent and the braking is very good for a car with drums at the rear.
The car return's good MPG if you drive sensibly, if you get a Zetec-S with air conditioning and drive hard you're fuel gauge will drop very quickly, you have been warned.
Servicing is cheaper compared to my previous car, and the the fiesta has a larger engine!
The car needs more power and better seats as they don't hold you too well when pushing hard across country.
There are parts available to modify the Zetec-S to increase power, handling and braking.
Good source of information for the Zetec-S is www.zetecs.com, I am a member and the site is really helpful.
All in all I am glad I bought my Zetec-S, I test drove a Saxo VTS and Pug 106 GTi, I was impressed more with the GTi than the VTS as it felt more solidly built.
But when I took out a Zetec-S the steering and handling and gear change just blew me away, I had to have one although it didn't go as fast as the VTS or GTi, but I pay less insurance for my Zetec-S compared to the quotes I got for the VTS and GTi and the Fiesta is cheaper to service and run.
Agree with all your comments, although I can't comment on the effect the air-con has, as mine doesn't have it.
I had the same problem - would have probably gone for the 106 GTi, but insurance was twice as much. To be honest, apart from the storming performance of the 106, I thought the Fiesta had better steering and gearbox, equally good handling, and infinitely better build quality. Just a shame they never thought to drop the old RS1800 engine in it!
Ford should have put the Puma 1.7 in the Zetec-S or as you have said the RS1800 16v, the puma engine just slots in the Fiesta, you only need the driver sides engine mount, engine, ecu and manifold for it fit in a Zetec-S!
Very good car just bought a new one holds the road like its on rails good price just wondering about top speed seams pretty rapid so far.
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I've had 120 out of mine and it still felt like there was some more!
Great handling hot hatch. Bit poor on performance though. The 1600 Zetec SE engine can produce upto 220bhp, but not ideal for road use. The 16v Zetec E from the RS1800 can produce slightly higher power (240bhp). The Zetec SE is lighter as it is an all-alloy engine and revs quicker due to its crankcase design so it is probably better to keep your 1.6 Zetec SE engine. The 1.7 from a Puma is already "tuned" and will only give minimal performance increases over a tuned 1.6.
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