Maruti Suzuki Swift 1.3 Petrol VS Ford Fiesta 1.6 Petrol

Hi all,

Ive been driving Swift for last 18months. Recently I did a test drive of Ford's new Fiesta sxi 1.6l petrol, Ive driven sedans before but this car just blowed me instantly! Seriously this is the car that one should drive atleast once!

I know it is totally unfair to compare hatchback with sedans but after MUL came up with Dzire I knew Swift was close to being a sedan if it didnt not have the capabilities Maruti would not go ahead launching Swift Dzire. With this dilemma I started my research & comparison with my recent test drive i.e (Fiesta 1.6P). Now there is this patch of rough road near my office (500m) which I usually do everyday, Swift does wobble alot and definitely would make ur stomach go nuts. When I did it on Fiesta I was stunned and amazed because I didnt even realize when that stretch got over! I had to do it thrice to get over my happyness that I was infact driving on a unfinished patch !! :P

1) Suspension - Swift has so called "Rally" based suspension but those Ford sales guys said it is very much similar to Swift setup i.e hard. I know ride comfort/quality will be different in sedans but not SO much! I mean it felt like Ive been upgraded from Auto Rickshaw to a expensive luxury car.

2) Tyres - 165/80 R14 of Swift & 175/65 R14 of Fiesta. I dont think 175/65 would contribute so much in difference with ride quality.

3) Engine was indeed way better than Swift but still I am confused on how come so much change with just 14bhp :O. I could easily take off in 2nd gear whereas in Swift it would vibrate intensively. Difference in torgue Swift: 113nm @ 4500 Fiesta: 146 @ 3400.

What is it that makes Fiesta so much better than Swift (I'm not comparing the interiors or looks)? Experts please put in your views and correct me if I'm wrong.

Hi

Specfically designed for Indian market by Ford.

Ford is always known for ther driver enthuastic cars

Sport handling suspension by Ford WRC experience

Better tuning experience of Ford

For example even though the Fiesta Tdci produces only 69 bhp it does not feel underpowered and the turbo lag is eliminated which is found in swift diesel.

I dont think just because of strong support network Maruti is ruling Indian market, There must be something in Maruti cars right? Which im yet to discover :P by the way what changes can I do in my swift to get close to fiesta feel?

Performance can be boosted by Petes tuining box(Rs 29500),K & N  air filter(Rs 5500)

Handling suspension can be improved by replacing the 4 stock absorbs with Koni or Blisten shock absorbs Strating range Rs 6500

Check this link

I've installed 2layers of PVC floor mat + MGA Rubber mat on top of it. This really does make a difference! Drive feels much smoother and cuts of some amount of tyre noise.