2016 Ford Fiesta ST vs. 1995 Toyota 4Runner: The Comparison You Didn't Ask For

"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
05/30/2016 at 12:49 • Filed to: Slowrunner Vs. Kona

After 1 month and 3,000 miles(3,001 as it sits), I wanted to do a review. After thinking about it, I decided against it, because the internet is full of opinions on the Fiesta ST(Though if you want to know about SYNC 3, ask below). But no one has done a comparison with something not even remotely similar, so here it is:

The Subjects:

2016 Fiesta ST, Kona Blue with Molten Orange Recaros.

1995 4Runner SR5, mismatched super white and white, 4 inch lift, somewhere under 200,000 miles.

Interior: Tie

It’s a draw, they both have features that I like better. The 4Runner has more storage capacity,a FAR superior AC system, is better put together, and the seats are far more adjustable. The Fiesta has more creature comforts, has more driver room, and has a sunroof. If it were working currently, the 4Runner has a tie breaker, but it’s broken so I will not include the back window. The Fiesta does make up for this, by being less dull.

Exterior: 4Runner

The Fiesta is a normalish looking hatchback. It looks nice, I think, but it’s nothing to write home about. The color is awesome, but that is the only thing special about the exterior. The 4Runner looks like a brute. It looks like it’s there to party. From the flared fenders, to the bulging hood, it screams 1990's in the best way possible. It also looks better dirty. I hate cleaning vehicles, so that makes it a winner.

Daily Drive-ability: Fiesta ST

It’s predictable. It’s reliable. It’s maneuverable. On top of those very important things, it doesn’t destroy gas like being caught with it is a crime. The one thing the 4Runner does better on the daily commute, is shift it’s own gears. That’s right, the auto wins this fight. If you disagree, you are wrong.

It’s also somewhat comfortable. I know it’s really not, but to me, it’s fine. I can comfortably take it on trips, and it takes the miles with ease.

Performance: Fiesta ST

I don’t think I need to spell this out, but I will. 197hp vs. 150hp and 215ft. lbs. vs. 180ft. lbs. in something that weighs 1400(ish) lbs less. That said, the more I drive the Fiesta, the more I feel that the 4Runner was adequate on a daily basis, and a blast when the pavement turns to dirt.

Pure Enjoyment: 4Runner

It’s no contest. Yes, the Fiesta is better on trips, and can take me to much more fun roads. Yes, the Fiesta can go on roads so curvy that I wouldn’t even consider taking the 4Runner on. But, it’s not slow car fun like it’s hailed to be. On local “curvy” roads, the 4Runner is hands down more fun. It is on it’s limit everywhere. It’s suspension and steering are looser than I would like them to be now, but that can be fixed, and when fixed, it’s a blast. On top of being slow car fun, I can go places the Fiesta can’t, which is kind of still a hobby. A hobby that I can exploit more now that I have something to get me to and from work.

Overall

The 4Runner isn’t going anywhere, but the Fiesta has more than earned it’s place. I would recommend one to anyone who didn’t need more space. It’s an awesome car, it’s hilarious to drive, it’s quick enough, and it makes a great commuter. But... It still doesn’t have the character of an old Toyota. Also, it seems to think I like Mariachi music.

DISCUSSION (14)

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
05/30/2016 at 12:56

As much as I hate the 4 speed auto in my 3rd gen, it’s seriously smooth.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
05/30/2016 at 12:57

Mine isn’t smooth at all, it is just better than go, shift to second, stop repeat.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
05/30/2016 at 13:19

Oh, the short ratios of the 6-speed gearboxes in the STs. When I first got mine, relative to my former 5-speed, I felt like I didn’t have time to get back to the wheel if I wanted to keep the shift light off. It was just constant gear shifting every time I took off... I got used to it, but it’s the worst manual I’ve driven in traffic (not the worst clutch, but it takes more mental and physical effort). Even the old VW T2 was better, and that thing had a mere 58hp pushing an enormous metal box. On the upside, it tries all it can to keep your ass thin enough to fit in the Recaros.

E90M3 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
05/30/2016 at 13:38

The M3 is a stick, the 128i is an auto, yet when I have to pick which one to drive even in rush hour traffic, it’s almost always the M3. The times I’ve hated the manual have been far outweighed by the times I’ve loved driving it. Which is why, when I’m gainfully employed again, I’m thinking about something like a manual Civic Si or a Fiesta ST as daily driver, just something that’s cheaper to run than the M3. Plus I like having 2 cars, gives me something different to drive.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > E90M3
05/30/2016 at 14:00

Remember gearing. The FiST has really short gears, so you’re constantly shifting.

E90M3 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
05/30/2016 at 16:35

That is true, guess I’ll have to test drive a bunch of things when i get in the market, not even sure what I want right now, that’s probably a couple of months away though.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > E90M3
05/30/2016 at 16:37

If you don’t have to deal with much standstill traffic it’s fine. I wouldn’t get an auto one if it was available, but sometimes it’s pain when it takes 10 minutes to make it a mile.

E90M3 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
05/30/2016 at 16:42

I’ve done that in the M3 before, that does suck.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > E90M3
05/30/2016 at 16:50

That’s an almost daily occurrence.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > E90M3
05/30/2016 at 17:35

Also, the FiST would be a better daily, just because of the torque.

E90M3 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
05/30/2016 at 17:42

I’ve heard good things about them, one of my pledge brothers got a Focus ST like a year after we graduated, and he loves it.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > E90M3
05/30/2016 at 17:55

The Fiesta is a bit more raw, but if you can live with it, it’s amazing. I’ve only heard one person talk badly about how they drive, and I’m pretty positive he was just having buyers remorse on another car, and I don’t think he actually drove it.

E90M3 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
05/30/2016 at 18:26

What was the other car?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > E90M3
05/30/2016 at 18:30

The Focus lol. Base ST1 if I recall correctly.