Ford Fiesta or Ford Focus… which is better for a tall new driver?

I’m a 20-year-old guy, 6’3”, and I just passed my driving test. I’m trying to decide between a Ford Fiesta and a Ford Focus for my first car. My main priorities are comfort and reliability. Speed isn’t important to me. What do you all think?

My first car was a 2012 Focus. I’m 6’5” and found it super comfortable. Honestly, it’s one of the most spacious cars I’ve had for legroom.

Sloan said:
My first car was a 2012 Focus. I’m 6’5” and found it super comfortable. Honestly, it’s one of the most spacious cars I’ve had for legroom.

How much did you pay for it?

Scout said:

Sloan said:
My first car was a 2012 Focus. I’m 6’5” and found it super comfortable. Honestly, it’s one of the most spacious cars I’ve had for legroom.

How much did you pay for it?

I think it was around £3.5k. It was a 1.6 diesel with 120k miles on it, bought back in late 2017.

Sloan said:
My first car was a 2012 Focus. I’m 6’5” and found it super comfortable. Honestly, it’s one of the most spacious cars I’ve had for legroom.

Got it, thanks for sharing.

I’d say the Focus is a bit more practical for someone your height. Plus, it’s a little bigger overall.

Blayne said:
I’d say the Focus is a bit more practical for someone your height. Plus, it’s a little bigger overall.

Isn’t the Focus ST-Line still around 150 horsepower even with the bigger engine? I don’t think it’s as close to the full ST power as some people think.

@Ali
Yeah, you’re right. It’s definitely not hitting the power of the ST.

Blayne said:
@Ali
Yeah, you’re right. It’s definitely not hitting the power of the ST.

Good to know, thanks for clarifying.

I’m 6’2” and have owned two Focuses. They worked great for me. The dashboard layout makes a big difference—it feels more open than the Fiesta.

Focus is probably the better bet. Though, have you considered something like the Hyundai i30?

Blayne said:
Focus is probably the better bet. Though, have you considered something like the Hyundai i30?

I’ve actually looked at the i30. Is it comparable to the Focus?

What’s your budget?

Delaney said:
What’s your budget?

About £4.5k.

The Fiesta is a great choice for a first car.

Ashton said:
The Fiesta is a great choice for a first car.

What about the Mk7 1.25L petrol model? Worth it?

Ash said:

Ashton said:
The Fiesta is a great choice for a first car.

What about the Mk7 1.25L petrol model? Worth it?

It’s fine, but it’s a bit underpowered. I’d go for a larger engine if you can.

Ash said:

Ashton said:
The Fiesta is a great choice for a first car.

What about the Mk7 1.25L petrol model? Worth it?

Reliable, but don’t expect much speed. It’s very slow.

@Oren
Should I go for the 1.4L instead, or just jump to the 1.6L?

Ash said:
@Oren
Should I go for the 1.4L instead, or just jump to the 1.6L?

More power is always better, in my opinion.