The Ford Fiesta ST is still one of the best hot hatches in the supermini segment, with the mechanically-related Puma ST performance-focused SUV adding a bit of practicality into the mix thanks to the taller body and the higher ground clearance. If you were wondering which one would be the fastest on a straight line, a UK dealership called Peoples Ford organized a drag race.
The guys on the Peoples Ford YouTube channel got access to a pre-facelift Fiesta ST for the shoot, but the updated model that premiered last year didn’t bring that much of a change in terms of performance. In fact, the 1.5-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder engine produces the same 197 hp (147 kW / 200 PS), but the torque is 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) in the old Fiesta ST compared to the slightly increased 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) in both the facelifted Fiesta ST and the slightly heavier Puma ST.
Also Read: Ford Axes Focus ST And Fiesta ST From Its Australian Range
In both cases, power is transmitted to the front axle through a six-speed manual gearbox. What we don’t know is whether any of the two models have the optional Quaife mechanical limited-slip differential. On paper, the lighter and more aerodynamic Fiesta ST accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.5 seconds, while the Puma ST needs 6.7 seconds. The Fiesta ST also has a higher top speed with 232 km/h (144 mph) compared to the Puma ST’s 220 km/h (137 mph).
The actual race was pretty close, inevitably affected by the gearshift changes of each driver. We won’t spoil the fun by revealing the winner. If you were in the market for a Ford Performance vehicle with a small footprint, which one would you choose?