3 Door vs 5 Door Fiesta

[JClarke]

In the meantime, I was just curious with your opinions with these fiestas. I had a 5 door WS fiesta, but which is better? 3 door or the 5 door?

Any differences? I notice that the 5 door didn't come with side skirts, when they have front and back skirts already dressed up, compared to the 3 door already have side skirts... anyone know why in this case?

[Ms_Jam]

I have a 3-door 2009 manual WS Zetec.

I think there is something in the argument that 3-door vehicles have a stronger jigsaw, so to speak, just as convertibles have a weaker one.

On the rare occasions I have hammered my little Fiesta, it has held together nicely - no sense of flex. At high speed, it stays glued to the road, so maybe the front and rear spoilers and the side skirts actually do something.

In my humble opinion, however, the main factors affecting performance are the fuel, the tyres and the oil.

[JClarke]

Originally Posted by Ms_Jam

I have a 3-door 2009 manual WS Zetec.

I think there is something in the argument that 3-door vehicles have a stronger jigsaw, so to speak, just as convertibles have a weaker one.

On the rare occasions I have hammered my little Fiesta, it has held together nicely - no sense of flex. At high speed, it stays glued to the road, so maybe the front and rear spoilers and the side skirts actually do something.

In my humble opinion, however, the main factors affecting performance are the fuel, the tyres and the oil.

I recall going up to 160 km/hr and I felt it it was too fast, and very light off the road. I was driving the 5 door, so the 3 door may have made a better difference....

[Pursya]

Originally Posted by JClarke

I recall going up to 160 km/hr and I felt it it was too fast, and very light off the road. I was driving the 5 door, so the 3 door may have made a better difference....

I agree that 160kmh in the 5 door sees the vehicle go "light", which does affect the handling.
But I think a 3 door would be the same, unless it was an ST or Black with all the aero package that comes with those sporty models.
Remember, the ST in the USofA is a 5 door. And it gets rave reviews just like our 3 door ST.
I wonder how the 5 door base model compares to the 5 door Zetec, which has a bigger rear wing and a bit of skirt action, at 160kmh.
While my Zetec certainly changed its "on rails" handling at at speed, I still had confidence in the vehicle.
Would love to know if the base mode Instilled the same confidence.

[Franco Cozzo]

I've got a povvo specification WS Fiesta CL 3 door, was my first car and it handles excellently, its still fun to blast up and over Mt Macedon in even if its lacking in power, sweet engine, awesome chassis, lots of fun.

[JClarke]

But then again, Pursya, these little zippy cars are still great cars to drive! I was just pondering between the 5 door and the 3 door when I come to look for a second hand Fiesta in the new year....

Big Damo, these CL models doesn't have these features Zetec have, I like Zetecs *angel face*

[xurbanx]

Head says 5 door because it's convenient and practical.
Heart says screw it, go the 3 door

[Ms_Jam]

5 door because it's convenient and practical

Depends on your point of view.

The 2-door idea is very European, Teutonic even — why worry about childproof locks in the back, when you can literally trap the kids in there?

[WOLF]

3Door is the go. Just got a 2015 ST for the wife to play with and it's a blast!
Deceptively spacious in the back. I'm 6 2" and with driver seat pushed right back, had a passenger 5 11" sit behind comfortably without his knees even touching the seat!
This car is so much fun, so friggin light and no lag its a weapon:-)

[Pursya]

As pointed out previously, the USA ST is a five door and gets the same rave reviews you just gave your new baby.
I assume the 5 door is carrying a bit more baby fat but also has a longer wheelbase.
Would love both versions to get the all wheel drive treatment.
With the latest Focus RS being AWD I would hope this means the proposed Fiesta RS is similarly equipped.
Now that will be some car!