Ford Fiesta vs Vauxhall Corsa: Used Car Comparison

Whether you know about cars or not, the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa are undoubtedly household names. They have been around for generations, and there's a fair chance you've either driven one or been driven in one. You probably even had one as your first car. But which is the better used car?

With the Ford Fiesta discontinued in 2023, the Vauxhall Corsa is still available in several guises. The Ford Fiesta does have a longer legacy, though.

So which of these used superminis is best, or more specifically, best for you? We will use the below categories to compare.

Contents

• Introduction and Design
• Versions and Performance
• Interior and Technology
• Practicality
• Value and Final Thoughts

Introduction and Design

The Ford Fiesta was first introduced in 1976 and enjoyed seven generations before Ford decided to discontinue the legendary supermini in 2023.

The Vauxhall Corsa is still on sale, in multiple guises, after first coming on the scene in 1982, despite not being called the Corsa till 1993 in the UK, as it was previously called the Nova.

Both cars have grown in size and are very similar in their latest generations. The Fiesta has certainly become more sophisticated in its style, even in the hot ST versions, whilst the Corsa also seems more grown up, with styling appearing similar in places to its Stellantis sibling Peugeot 208.

Both cars offer fine supermini looks, with the higher specification cars offering that little bit more impact, thanks to sportier styling tweeks and nicer alloy wheels, which in both cases is worth looking out for when buying used.

Versions and Performance

You can find lots of used Ford Fiesta and used Vauxhall Corsa models in various trim levels. But for visual and performance impact, the Fiesta edges ahead due to its ST version.

A used Ford Fiesta ST offers the usual Fiesta traits, albeit with enhanced power and performance. You get 197bhp from the ST's 1.5-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, offering acceleration of 0 to 62mph in 6.5 seconds whilst still managing 40mpg.

The quickest Corsa in comparison is the hybrid variant, which offers 134bhp from its 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine. It takes 8.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62mph, but it does offer more economy, getting around 60mpg.

For contrast, the Ford Fiesta Titanium X, which is a 'posher', more sophisticated trimline of the Fiesta, offers 152bhp from a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder with mild hybrid technology, which matches the Corsa's 8.6 second 0 to 62mph time, but offers 4mpg less than the Corsa.

You could, however get an older generation hot Corsa in the form of the Corsa VXR, which matches the Fiesta ST's acceleration - but still isn't as sharp or fun to drive.

Interior and Technology

Both interiors offer a now-must-have digital vibe, with both the infotainment screen and instrument clusters being fully digital for a cutting-edge and modern look in both cars.

Nothing major splits them, as they both offer a decent modern driving experience with all the basic connectivity you need, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Corsa does, however, offer more standard equipment, so if you're looking for more for less, then a Corsa may appeal more to you.

If you like your music, there's a fine eight-speaker B&O sound system in the range-topping Fiesta Vignale. This version also offers an even posher and upmarket feel than the previously mentioned Titanium X trim.

Practicality

No matter if you're looking to buy a Ford Fiesta used or a Vauxhall Corsa used, despite their supermini characters, both offer excellent levels of practicality.

The Fiesta can be found used with three or five doors, whilst the Corsa can also be found used with three of five doors, although this, the latest generation from 2019, is only available as a five-door as standard.

In terms of boot size, there's hardly anything in it, with the Fiesta offering 292 litres, which is a little less than the Corsa's 309 litres. Although the Fiesta does seem to offer more rear passenger space, especially with five-door variants.

Value and Final Thoughts

In a world where the SUV has now taken top spot in terms of popularity over the small hatchback, it's not a surprise to see Ford discontinue the Fiesta and concentrate on the Puma instead. The Corsa is still available, but for how long?

Both cars represent great value when new, so used makes them even more attractive. If you're looking for a supermini that offers a great all-round package, both cars are a textbook choice.

You'd probably think the Corsa is the best bet as it's still being made, but thanks to the performance versions like the ST and upmarket Vignale versions, the Fiesta edges it. Even in its standard guise, it's easy to see why the Fiesta dominated the market year after year.

Find your perfect used car at Evans Halshaw

Whether you’ve decided on a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa, or want to browse more used cars, we can help you find the right one. Explore our selection of used vehicles and discover your next used car today.

Also, ff you found this comparison helpful, check out our blog section for more buying guides and expert advice on choosing your next car.