1.25 versus 1.4

[stewby22]

I have been told by a Ford dealer that there is no advantage in buying a 1.4 Ford Fiesta over a 1.25. The difference in bhp is 75 compared to 80, which is insignificant. He may be trying to get rid of 1.25s and would tell me anything! Does anyone have any thoughts on this? thanks in advance

[shero101]

Interesting. The 1.25 Zetec is an excellent engine and I doubt you would notice much difference in performance. It would depend on a few factors. If you are driving mostly town miles then the 1.25 should be fine. Fuel economy is better on the smaller engine but is slightly slower 0-60. Also consider the deal he is offering, but why not insist you have a long test drive in a 1.25 and a 1.4 to make up your own mind.

[Jay70]

You will find most car dealers will tell you whatever it takes to get you to buy the car they have. If the 1.4 is a 16v then I think from memory it has got nearer 90bhp. But remember it's not just bhp figures that make a car nicer to drive you need to look at the torque figures too. My old pug 309 has less bhp (63 bhp V's 75 bhp) than my wifes escort but has more torque and pulls away from it up hill no problem.

[Jay70]

As has been stated you really do need to have a drive in both to see which suits your driving style better. It really is the only was to tell. I have driven some cars which are suppossed to have the same power on paper but when you drive them they can be miles apart in terms of usable power.

[stewby22]

Thank you all

[woodchopper]

I'd go for the one with more valves per cylnder.

[kramer81]

Not a great deal in it on paper, although 1.3 secs diff 0-60 is reasonably significant.

Engine Size 1242 cc
Cylinders 4
0-60 mph 13.6 s
Power Output 73 bhp
Valves 16
Torque 110 Nm 81 lb-ft
Top Speed 101 mph
MPG 47

Engine Size 1388 cc
Cylinders 4
0-60 mph 12.3 s
Power Output 78 bhp
Valves 16
Torque 124 Nm 91 lb-ft
Top Speed 103 mph
MPG 45

[kramer81]

Strangely the older shape 1.4 fiesta has 88bhp instead of 78bhp