Ford recently launched the upgraded Ford Fiesta Classic and rechristened the same as Ford Classic. The interesting thing about the Classic is that the company has added a couple of more features and alongside has brought down the price. To see how fair the new pricing is, we compared the the car with the top selling car of its segment, the 2012 Dzire, read detailed comparison here – Ford Classic Vs Maruti Swift Dzire.
Now the next competition to the Classic is the Toyota Etios sedan. So let us begin with the comparison.
Exterior Comparison
The most interesting thing about the Classic is its design. While manufacturers are trying to make their entry level compact sedans really compact, Ford still wants to offer a fair sized sedan at that price. It features a 3 box design which ensures proper length which is good. As far as the facelift goes Ford actually hasn’t made any major changes to the design and has rather accessorized the car with new alloys, chrome grille etc.
image – Ford Classic (left) and Toyota Etios (right)
The Etios sedan was designed while keeping in mind the demands of Indian customers which means its an India specific model. Alike Classic, the same also features a full 3 box design and is longer than other compact sedans such as Swift Dzire etc. Design wise, despite being a Toyota product, we are not satisfied at all. It looks too simple and dated and has no sportiness. But overall it still looks pretty much elegant.
Ford Classic Dimensions
- Overall Length : 4282mm
- Overall Width : 1686mm
- Overall Height : 1468mm
- Overall Wheelbase : 2486mm
Toyota Etios Dimensions
- Overall Length : 4265mm
- Overall Width : 1695 mm
- Overall Height : 1510 mm
- Overall Wheelbase : 2550 mm
Proportion wise, be it length, width, height or wheelbase the Etios leads with a significant difference. This means that one gets enough legroom, shoulder room and headroom in Etios.
Interior Comparison
image – Ford Classic Interior
Although the company has revised the exterior to an extent, on the inside the story is altogether different. Here instead of upgrading, the company has replaced all the wood inserts with black plastics which help cutting down the cost of the car. But as I mentioned above the company does offer better features now and the list includes the following: Bluetooth equipped audio system which can not only take calls, but also read phone’s contacts over Bluetooth for hassle free driving experience, dual Airbags at front, ABS , Beige Interiors, speed sensing volume control, electronic boot lid release, front and rear fog lamps, rear defogger, music system, collapsible steering column, central locking, Passive Anti Theft System etc.
image – Toyota Etios Interiors
The passenger cabin of Etios is nice with dual tone theme and an unconventionally designed dashboard. The AC vents located at the center look different and the instrument cluster has also been positioned in the middle. Features list includes the largest cooled glove box, steering mounted audio controls, audio system with USB and AUX in connectivity, dual tone upholstery, ABS with EBD, dual airbags and many others.
Engine Comparison
Ford Classic Engines
Ford Classic Petrol
- Engine: 1.6 litre Duratec
- Type: 4 cylinder in-line, 16 Valve DOHC
- Displacement: 1596 CC
- Max power: 101 BHP @ 6500 RPM
- Max torque: 146 Nm @ 3400 RPM
- Transmission: 5 speed manual
- Fuel Efficiency: 21.27 KMPL
Ford Classic Diesel
- Engine: 1.4 litre Duratorq
- Type: 4 cylinder in-line 8 Valve SOHC
- Displacement: 1399 CC
- Max Power: 68 BHP @ 4000 RPM
- Max Torque: 160 Nm @ 2000 RPM
- Transmission: 5 speed manual
- Fuel Efficiency: 32.38 KMPL (Auto Cross Country Drive figure)
Toyota Etios Engines
Toyota Etios Petrol
- Engine type – 2NR- FE, Gasoline MPFI, 4-Cylinder 16V, DOHC
- Capacity 1496 cc
- Max Power 89 BHP @5600 RPM
- Max Torque 132 Nm @ 3000 RPM
- Electronic Fuel Injection Engine
- ARAI certified mileage of 17.6 KMPL
- Kerb Weight = 900 Kg to 930 Kg
- Power to weight ratio of 97.3 BHP / 1000 Kg
Toyota Etios Diesel
- 1.4 Litre D4D CRDI Diesel Engine
- Displacement of 1364 CC
- Max Power of 67.07 BHP @ 3800 RPM
- Max Torque of 170 Nm @ 1800 to 2400 RPM
- 5 Speed Manual Transmission
- ARAI Certified mileage of 23.59 KMPL
- Kerb Weight = 990 Kg to 1005 Kg
- Power to weight ratio of 67.2 BHP / 1000 Kg
Comparing the petrol engines first, the Classic features a 1.6 litre engine that churns out 101 BHP of max power and 146 Nm of peak torque while the 1.5 litre engine of the Etios delivers 89 BHP of max power and 132 Nm of peak torque. Mileage wise the petrol Classic is ahead with 21.27 KMPL against Etios’ 17.6 KMPL.
The Diesel models of Classic and Etios feature a 1.4 litre engine each. While the Classic diesel produces 68 BHP of power and 160 Nm of torque, the Etios diesel produces 67 BHP of power and 170 Nm of torque. In terms of fuel efficiency the Classic is also ahead of Etios in the real world mileage.
Performance & Handling
The Classic is a driver’s car and is super precise when you throw it around corners and sharp bends. The suspension is neither too stiff nor too soft and therefore is great for comfort and offers supreme ride quality at the same time. However the passengers at the back do not feel as comfortable as the one sitting at the front.
The Etios is a good car and has a fairly tuned suspension, but is it at par with the Classic? The answer is No, as the Classic is way too strong in ride quality and handling, however there is larger interior space in the Etios.
Price Comparison
Ford Classic Price List
Ford Classic Petrol price ex-showroom Delhi is as follows:
- Ford Classic Duratec 1.6 Petrol LXi is priced at Rs. 5.54 Lakhs
- Ford Classic Duratec 1.6 Petrol CLXi is priced at Rs. 6.19 Lakhs
- Ford Classic Duratec 1.6 Petrol Titanium is priced at Rs. 6.86 Lakhs
Ford Classic Diesel price ex-showroom Delhi is as follows:
- Ford Classic Duratorq 1.4 Diesel LXi is priced at Rs. 6.81 Lakhs
- Ford Classic Duratorq 1.4 Diesel CLXi is priced at Rs. 7.23 Lakhs
- Ford Classic Duratorq 1.4 Diesel Titanium is priced at Rs. 7.82 Lakhs
Toyota Etios Price List
Toyota Etios Petrol Price ex-showroom Delhi:
- Toyota Etios J: Rs. 5.14 lakhs
- Toyota Etios G: Rs. 5.71 lakhs
- Toyota Etios G SP: Rs. 6.18 lakhs
- Toyota Etios V: Rs. 6.70 lakhs
- Toyota Etios VX: Rs. 7.18 lakhs
Toyota Etios Diesel Price ex-showroom Delhi:
- Toyota Etios D-4D GD: Rs. 6.76 lakhs
- Toyota Etios D-4D GD SP: Rs. 7.23 lakhs
- Toyota Etios D-4D VD: Rs. 7.75 lakhs
- Toyota Etios D-4D VXD: Rs. 8.23 lakhs
Ford Classic LXI(Petrol & Diesel) Vs Toyota Etios J/GD
The base variants of the Classic are priced at 5.54 lakh and 6.81 lakh for petrol and diesel respectively. Similarly the base Etios is priced at 5.14 lakh and 6.76 lakh for petrol and diesel respectively. All these variants come with the most basic of the features and in that case the person buying any of the mentioned variants would definitely be focusing more on the fuel efficiency and the space. So the Etios would be our pick considering the space while the Classic for its mileage.
Ford Classic CLXI(Petrol & Diesel) Vs Toyota Etios G SP/GD SP
The CLXI variants of Classic are priced at 6.19 lakh and 7.23 lakh for petrol and diesel respectively. Similarly the G SP petrol and GD SP diesel variants of Etios are priced at 6.18 lakh and 7.23 lakh. Interestingly here there is hardly any difference in terms of pricing but in terms of features and space the Etios is ahead. So if you want to have better features and space and are happy with the mileage figures of the Etios, I bet it would be a great choice. But if mileage and ride and handling is your primary concern and you can sacrifice some features, Classic is definitely a better car.
Ford Classic Titanium(Petrol & Diesel) Vs Toyota Etios V/VD
These are the top end variants of both the cars and are priced at 6.86 lakh(petrol) and 7.82 lakh(diesel) for Classic and 6.70 lakh(petrol) and 7.75 lakh(diesel) for the Etios. No doubt the Titanium variants are the top of the line ones and come with all the features such as ABS, airbags, audio system with USB support etc. The Titanium models also come with the newly introduced Bluetooth connectivity feature which is unique to Classic and is not present in the Etios top end.
The Etios V and VD are also the top end variants as they come with most of the features except for steering mounted audio controls which unfortunately are not present in any of the Classic variants. If you wish to add some leather touch to the passenger cabin you can surely spend some extra amount of money for Etios VX and VXD.
Car Blog India Verdict – Ford Classic Vs Toyota Etios
If you want a car that is spacious, fairly good in terms of features, affordable and can do well on the road in terms of performance then Etios is a great car to have. Etios meets most of the needs of a typical family car. On the contrary if you are looking for exceptional handling and ride quality and great mileage and want features as well, then Classic is miles ahead of the Etios and will definitely impress you. While the Etios is more of a Family car, the Ford Classic doubles up as a decent family car with lesser space compared to Etios, but it is great driver’s car, so if you drive alone or with 2 or 3 people in car most of the times, Classic is a much more fun car.
