FIAT 500 vs. Ford Fiesta

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the FIAT 500 and Ford Fiesta contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the FIAT 500 and the Ford Fiesta.

When comparing the FIAT 500's and the Ford Fiesta's specifications and ratings, the FIAT 500 has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. The Ford Fiesta has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The FIAT 500 and Ford Fiesta have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the FIAT 500's and the Ford Fiesta's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fiesta is a better car than the FIAT 500.

Pricing: A used 2019 FIAT 500 ranges from $12,190 to $20,758 while a used 2019 Ford Fiesta is priced between $9,500 to $18,960.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the FIAT 500 loses 28.9 percent of its value and the Ford Fiesta loses 30.7 percent of its value. This means the FIAT 500 retains 1.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Fiesta.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the FIAT 500 is 8.1 out of 10 while the Ford Fiesta's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the FIAT 500 being ranked 25 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Ford Fiesta being ranked 24 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the FIAT 500 is 7.6 out of 10. For the Ford Fiesta the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Ford Fiesta a slight advantage in reliability compared to the FIAT 500.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the FIAT 500’s base engine makes 135 horsepower, and the Ford Fiesta base engine makes 120 horsepower. The 500 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 347 miles. The Fiesta is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 434 miles. This gives the Ford Fiesta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the FIAT 500. The 500 uses premium unleaded, and the Fiesta uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Fiesta has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The FIAT 500 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the FIAT 500 and the Ford Fiesta have the same average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars.