The 2011 Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 come to market this summer with attractive looks and plenty of available features. The two models also have a lot in common, as both vehicles are based off the same B-Segment platform and engage in a good bit of parts-sharing. But which vehicle is the better value?

The folks over at TrueDelta attempted to solve that equation, and according to the research firm's blog, the answer isn't as simple as "which vehicle is cheaper." Sticker price is, however, a good place to start. A base Fiesta hatch stickers at $15,795, while the Mazda2 totals $14,730 (both prices include destination charge). That's a $1,065 win for Mazda, no doubt, but TrueDelta claims that figuring in the value of standard equipment in the Fiesta that doesn't exist in the Mazda brings the price gap down to about $300. A loaded Mazda2 Touring is $1,880 cheaper than a loaded Fiesta, but again, with equipment differences figured in the chasm, the gap reportedly shrinks to a mere $200.

After figuring in all the variables, TrueDelta feels the Fiesta wins out in spite of the fact that the Mazda2 is still cheaper - even when factoring in available equipment. Why? The answer is fuel economy. The most efficient Mazda2 promises 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The thriftiest Fiesta comes in at a far more impressive 30/40 city/highway mix; more than enough fuel savings to offset a few hundred bucks.

But that doesn't make the Fiesta a superior deal in our estimation; at least not yet. If the Mazda2's engineers deliver plenty of added "Zoom-Zoom," we may be able to forgive and forget about the Fiesta's on-paper fuel economy advantage.


Gallery: 2011 Mazda2



Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta





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