Compared Model: Fiesta Sedan
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Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 84 advantages that the Mitsubishi Lancer has over the Ford Fiesta Sedan.
| MSRP Range | |
| Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Ford Fiesta Sedan | |
Performance
Engine
The standard engine in the Lancer is larger than the standard engine in the Fiesta Sedan, as detailed below by trim:
 | | | Standard Engine | |
| Lancer DE | | 2.0L I4 | |
| Lancer ES | | 2.0L I4 | |
| Lancer GT | | 2.4L I4 | |
| Lancer Ralliart | | 2.0L I4 | |
| Lancer SE | | 2.4L I4 | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 1.6L I4 | |
The standard engines in the Lancer are more powerful than those in the Fiesta Sedan, as detailed by trim and engine below:
| | | Horsepower (SAE net) | |
| Lancer DE 2.0L I4 | | 148 HP | |
| Lancer ES 2.0L I4 | | 148 HP | |
| Lancer GT 2.4L I4 | | 168 HP | |
| Lancer Ralliart 2.0L I4 | | 237 HP | |
| Lancer SE 2.4L I4 | | 168 HP | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 120 HP | |
The Lancer's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Fiesta Sedan's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:
| | | RPM's to Peak Torque | | RPM's to Peak HP | |
| Lancer DE 2.0L I4 | | 4200 | | 6000 | |
| Lancer ES 2.0L I4 | | 4200 | | 6000 | |
| Lancer GT 2.4L I4 | | 4100 | | 6000 | |
| Lancer Ralliart 2.0L I4 | | 2500 | | 6000 | |
| Lancer SE 2.4L I4 | | 4100 | | 6000 | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 5000 | | 6350 | |
The standard engines in the Lancer have more torque (low-end power) than those in the Fiesta Sedan, as detailed by trim and engine below:
| | | Torque | |
| Lancer DE 2.0L I4 | | 145 lb-ft | |
| Lancer ES 2.0L I4 | | 145 lb-ft | |
| Lancer GT 2.4L I4 | | 167 lb-ft | |
| Lancer Ralliart 2.0L I4 | | 253 lb-ft | |
| Lancer SE 2.4L I4 | | 167 lb-ft | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 112 lb-ft | |
Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The Lancer, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Fiesta Sedan, as detailed below by trim level and engine:
| | | Power To Weight Ratio | |
| Lancer DE 2.0L I4 | | 19.4 | |
| Lancer ES 2.0L I4 | | 19.4 | |
| Lancer GT 2.4L I4 | | 17.5 | |
| Lancer Ralliart 2.0L I4 | | 14.6 | |
| Lancer SE 2.4L I4 | | 18.6 | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 21.3 | |
Reliability
The Lancer has a larger engine displacement than the Fiesta Sedan. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life. Details by engine below:
| | | Displacement CC | |
| Lancer 2.0L I4 | | 1998 cc | |
| Lancer 2.4L I4 | | 2360 cc | |
| Fiesta Sedan 1.6L I4 | | 1596 cc | |
Transmission
Manually interactive automatic transmissions give the driver complete gear control, like manually-shifted transmissions, but without the inconvenient clutch. This type of transmission is more commonly found in the Lancer than the Fiesta Sedan, as shown below:
| | | Manually Interactive Automatic Transmission | |
| Lancer GT | | Optional | |
| Lancer Ralliart | | Standard | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | Not Available | |
Basic Warranty
Mitsubishi's basic warranty provides better coverage than Ford's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).
| | | Basic Warranty Months | | Basic Warranty Miles | |
| Lancer DE | | 60 | | 60000 | |
| Lancer ES | | 60 | | 60000 | |
| Lancer GT | | 60 | | 60000 | |
| Lancer SE | | 60 | | 60000 | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 36 | | 36000 | |
Powertrain Warranty
Mitsubishi's powertrain warranty offers better coverage than the Ford's. This warranty covers most of the parts that make the car move such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles.
| | | Powertrain Warranty Months | | Powertrain Warranty Miles | |
| Lancer DE | | 120 | | 100000 | |
| Lancer ES | | 120 | | 100000 | |
| Lancer GT | | 120 | | 100000 | |
| Lancer SE | | 120 | | 100000 | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 60 | | 60000 | |
Corrosion Warranty
Mitsubishi's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Ford's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).
| | | Corrosion Warranty Months | |
| Lancer | | 84 | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 60 | |
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The Lancer has a larger fuel tank than the Fiesta Sedan, which may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel, as detailed below:
| | | Fuel Capacity | |
| Lancer DE | | 15.3 gal. | |
| Lancer ES | | 15.3 gal. | |
| Lancer GT | | 15.3 gal. | |
| Lancer Ralliart | | 14.5 gal. | |
| Lancer SE | | 14.5 gal. | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 12.4 gal. | |
The Lancer 2.0L I4 gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Fiesta Sedan 1.6L I4, 428.4 mi. vs. 409.2 mi.
Cost to Own
The base MSRP on the Lancer is less than the base MSRP on the Fiesta Sedan as shown in the table below.
| | | Base Price MSRP | |
| Lancer DE | | 15,695 | |
| Fiesta Sedan SEL | | 16,600 | |
Airbags
Both the Lancer and the Fiesta Sedan feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
General Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Lancer is heavier than the Fiesta Sedan, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| | | Curb Weight MT | | Curb Weight AT | |
| Lancer DE | | 2866 lbs. | | - | |
| Lancer ES | | 2866 lbs. | | 2,932 lbs. | |
| Lancer GT | | 2933 lbs. | | 3,032 lbs. | |
| Lancer Ralliart | | 3461 lbs. | | - | |
| Lancer SE | | - | | 3,120 lbs. | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 2578 lbs. | | 2,628 lbs. | |
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The Lancer is longer than the Fiesta Sedan, 180.0 in. vs. 173.6 in.
The Lancer features the following available engine drive types, shown by trim:
| | | Driveline | |
| Lancer | | AWD | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | FWD | |
The Lancer has a Standard remote fuel door release which allows the driver to open the fuel door from inside the vehicle. Because the fuel door cannont be opened from the outside, access to the vehicle's fuel tank is restricted, preventing tampering with the fuel supply. A remote fuel door is Not Available on the Fiesta Sedan.
Keyless entry increases your personal safety by enabling you to enter and exit your vehicle without fumbling with your keys. And, in addition, by letting you lock and unlock your vehicle without using your keys, it increases the chances that you will lock it. Of course, it also comes in handy when your hands are full. The Lancer (ES, GT, Ralliart, SE) comes with Standard keyless entry while that feature is Optional on the Fiesta Sedan S.
The Lancer (ES, GT, Ralliart, SE) features a Standard panic button on its remote control, which when depressed activates the vehicle's alarm system (horn, lights, etc.), allowing the driver to notify anyone nearby that they are in danger or need assistance. A panic button is Not Available on the Fiesta Sedan.
Wheel locks are special lug nuts that serve to deter wheel theft by requiring a 'key' for installation and removal. They are Optional equipment on the Lancer (ES, GT, Ralliart, SE) but are Not Available on the Fiesta Sedan.
Rear spoilers create additional downdraft at higher speeds, improving road holding ability. You will be more likely to find a rear spoiler on the Lancer than on the Fiesta Sedan, as shown below:
| | | Rear Spoiler | |
| Lancer DE | | Optional | |
| Lancer ES | | Optional | |
| Lancer GT | | Standard | |
| Lancer Ralliart | | Standard | |
| Lancer SE | | Optional | |
| Fiesta Sedan S | | Not Available | |
| Fiesta Sedan SE | | Optional | |
| Fiesta Sedan SEL | | Not Available | |
Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations. You are more likely to find fog lights on the Lancer than on the Fiesta Sedan, as detailed below:
| | | Fog Lamps | |
| Lancer DE | | Optional | |
| Lancer ES | | Optional | |
| Lancer GT | | Standard | |
| Lancer Ralliart | | Standard | |
| Lancer SE | | Optional | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | Not Available | |
High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Optional on the Lancer (GT, Ralliart) but Not Available Fiesta Sedan. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, multiple-vehicle daytime crashes account for about half of all police-reported crashes in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that daytime running lights - low intensity lights that make vehicles more visible during daylight hours - reduce daytime accidents as much as 11%. Daytime running lights are more commonly found on the Lancer than the Fiesta Sedan, as shown below:
| | | Daytime Running Lights | |
| Lancer | | Standard | |
| Fiesta Sedan S | | Not Available | |
| Fiesta Sedan SE | | Optional | |
The Lancer has Standard perimeter lighting, improving safety by illuminating the area around the vehicle while entering and exiting at night. Perimeter lighting is Not Available on the Fiesta Sedan.
The Lancer (GT, Ralliart) has Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the Fiesta Sedan.
CapacitiesInterior Space
The Lancer has more passenger volume than the Fiesta Sedan, 93.5 cu. ft. vs. 85.1 cu. ft.
The Lancer has more interior space than the Fiesta Sedan in the following areas:
| | | Leg Room, Front | | Hip Room, Front | | Shoulder Room, Front | | Hip Room, Rear | | Leg Room, Rear | | Shoulder Room, Rear | | Head Room, Front | |
| Lancer DE | | 42.3 in. | | 53.3 in. | | 54.7 in. | | 54.1 in. | | 36.1 in. | | 54.3 in. | | 39.6 in. | |
| Lancer ES | | 42.3 in. | | 53.3 in. | | 54.7 in. | | 54.1 in. | | 36.1 in. | | 54.3 in. | | 39.6 in. | |
| Lancer GT | | 42.3 in. | | 53.3 in. | | 54.7 in. | | 54.1 in. | | 36.1 in. | | 54.3 in. | | 39.6 in. | |
| Lancer Ralliart | | 42.3 in. | | 53.5 in. | | 54.7 in. | | 54.1 in. | | 36.1 in. | | 54.3 in. | | 39.6 in. | |
| Lancer SE | | 42.3 in. | | 53.3 in. | | 54.7 in. | | 54.1 in. | | 36.1 in. | | 54.3 in. | | 39.6 in. | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 42.2 in. | | 50.6 in. | | 52.7 in. | | 49.2 in. | | 31.2 in. | | 49 in. | | 39.1 in. | |
Cargo Space
Standard second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Not Available in the Fiesta Sedan.
Suspension and HandlingGeneral Suspension
The Lancer has a independent rear suspension, which is superior to the semi-independent suspension used on the Fiesta Sedan.
Chassis
The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the Lancer is greater than that of the Fiesta Sedan. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.
| | | Track, Front | | Track, Rear | |
| Lancer | | 60.2 in. | | 60.2 in. | |
| Fiesta Sedan | | 57.7 in. | | 57.7 in. | |
The Lancer's wheelbase is longer than the Fiesta Sedan's, 103.7 in. vs. 98.0 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.
Wheels and Tires
The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the Lancer may provide better handling capability than those on the Fiesta Sedan. Details below:
| | | Tire Aspect Ratio | |
| Lancer | | 45 | |
| Fiesta Sedan S | | 60 | |
| Fiesta Sedan SE | | 60 | |
| Fiesta Sedan SEL | | 50 | |
In addition to the obvious cosmetic benefit of alloy wheels, they are lighter than traditional steel wheels, providing better performance. You are more likely to find alloy wheels on the Lancer than the Fiesta Sedan, as shown below:
| | | Alloy Wheels | |
| Lancer ES | | Optional | |
| Lancer GT | | Standard | |
| Lancer Ralliart | | Standard | |
| Lancer SE | | Standard | |
| Fiesta Sedan S | | Not Available | |
| Fiesta Sedan SE | | Optional | |
Braking
The Lancer (GT, Ralliart, SE) has standard front and rear disc brakes but the Fiesta Sedan only has standard rear Drum brakes. Drums tend to heat up with repeated use and can cause stopping distances to increase.
An Electronic Braking Assistance system, Standard in the Lancer, measures the speed and force with which the brake pedal has been pushed, determines whether the driver has attempted an emergency stop, and applies any additional brake pressure needed to ensure optimal utilization of the anti-lock brake system. Electronic Braking Assistance is Not Available in the Fiesta Sedan.
AdvantagesAdditional Features
A heated front seat provides additional comfort in very cold weather. As shown below, a heated front seat is a feature found more often in the in the Lancer than the Fiesta Sedan.
| | | Front Heated Seat | |
| Lancer GT | | Optional | |
| Lancer Ralliart | | Optional | |
| Lancer SE | | Standard | |
| Fiesta Sedan S | | Not Available | |
| Fiesta Sedan SE | | Optional | |
| Fiesta Sedan SEL | | Optional | |
Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Optional in the Lancer (GT, Ralliart) but is Not Available in the Fiesta Sedan (S, SE).
The Lancer (ES, GT, Ralliart, SE) features a Optional navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Not Available in the Fiesta Sedan.
Compact disc players offer the highest quality audio available. The Lancer offers a Standard CD player but it is Optional in the Fiesta Sedan S.
For added convenience, power windows come Standard in the Lancer. With the Fiesta Sedan S, power windows are Not Available.
The Lancer has a Standard lockout/override feature for its power windows. This allows the driver to disable to power window controls, preventing small children from accidentally rolling down the rear windows. This window lockout/override feature is Not Available on the Fiesta Sedan.
The Lancer (GT, Ralliart) has a Standard automatic climate control system. The system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. Automatic climate control is Not Available in the Fiesta Sedan.
The advanced climate control system in the Lancer features an air filtration system that removes pollen, dust, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the passenger compartment. An air filtration sytem is Not Available in the Fiesta Sedan.
On long road trips in the Lancer, drivers can engage the ~WD cruise control, reducing fatigue. You are more likely to find cruise control in the Lancer than in the Fiesta Sedan, as shown below:
| | | Cruise Control | |
| Lancer ES | | Standard | |
| Lancer GT | | Standard | |
| Lancer Ralliart | | Standard | |
| Lancer SE | | Standard | |
| Fiesta Sedan S | | Not Available | |
| Fiesta Sedan SE | | Optional | |
The Lancer has a Standard trip computer which provides helpful information to the driver. A trip computer is Not Available in the Fiesta Sedan S.
With a Optional power sunroof, a touch of a button is all Lancer (ES, GT, Ralliart) owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Fiesta Sedan S as a power sunroof is Not Available.
The Lancer features Standard automatic headlights that control their on/off capability. Automatic headlights are Not Available on the Fiesta Sedan.
Heated exterior mirrors help improve the driver's visibility. You are more likely to find heated exterior mirrors on the Lancer than in the Fiesta Sedan, as shown below:
| | | Heated Exterior Mirror | |
| Lancer SE | | Standard | |
| Fiesta Sedan S | | Not Available | |
| Fiesta Sedan SE | | Optional | |
Awards
2012 TOP SAFETY PICK AWARD: ~Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (Nov 2011)