Recently Ford India rechristened the Fiesta Classic as Ford Classic and also replaced the top end SXI variants with new Titanium variants for both the petrol and diesel variant line-up. Beside all that the company has also introduced better features at a lucrative price in the new Ford Classic Titanium top end model. The US based major has also given the Classic a little bit of makeover but on the whole the car still looks pretty much the same as it was before the makeover.
What actually draws our interest is the new set of features the company is offering that too at a lower price. To judge how justified the new price is, considering the new features, we would be comparing it with the top seller of the compact sedan segment, 2012 Maruti Swift Dzire.
Exterior Comparison
Ford is trying really hard to be in the competition and to an extent the Classic still looks appealing enough. The most important fact about the Classic is that it is a proper sedan at the price of a hatchback. Changes brought on the exterior include a new set of alloys, boot spoiler, honeycomb mesh chrome grille and a handful more.
image – Maruti Swift Dzire (left) and Ford Classic (right)
The Dzire is an interesting car when looked from the front but as you go toward the rear it somehow disappoints you. The boot seems to be a portion that has been added later and looks awkward but that is what a compact sedan, right? If you are considering the two in terms of proper size, the Classic should appeal to you more but if your primary concern is looks and not the shape, the Dzire will attract you more. Another important fact is that the Classic has a solid exterior built which is not the case with the Dzire.
Ford Classic Dimensions
- Overall Length : 4282mm
- Overall Width : 1686mm
- Overall Height : 1468mm
- Overall Wheelbase : 2486mm
Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Dimensions
- Length = 3995 mm
- Width = 1695 mm
- Height = 1555 mm
- Wheelbase = 2430 mm
Proportion wise the Classic is significantly longer and has a better wheelbase. On the contrary the 2012 Dzire was designed as a sub-4 meter model so we cannot expect it to be longer. But the Dzire is taller and wider and therefore offers better head and shoulder room.
Interiors Comparison
image – Ford Classic Interior
Ford has focused more on the exterior appeal of the Classic and have downgraded (replaced all wood panels with black plastics) the passenger cabin which well justifies the new lowered price tag of the car. And to make the car even more luring the company is now offering plenty of good features which one cannot overlook. The list of features include 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. to name a few.
image – Maruti Swift Dzire Interior
images – Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Interior
Maruti has made significant improvement when it comes to interior styling and quality. The 2011 Swift and 2012 Dzire are the best examples of it. Features list includes new improved suspensions, Light in weight compared to older Dzire, New design of grille which gives it a different front fascia than the new Swift, New and larger headlamps, Chrome strip on the boot lid, Large rear bumper with mid mounted reflector, High mounted brake lamp, Rear defogger, indicators on the outside rear view mirrors, door handles with chrome finishing, Electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, Wood inserts at the front door trims and dashboard, Large AC vents for effective air conditioning, Integrated audio system with USB/CD/AM/FM Radio, USB and Aux-input, Tilt adjustable steering, Steering mounted audio controls, ABS and EBD, Automatic climate control, Dual SRS Airbags for safety etc.
At the rear both the cars offer a cramped accommodation but the Classic is slightly better. Overall built and fit and finish is another area where Classic leads. What I really like about the Dzire is the design of the dashboard which is refreshing, though the fit might not impress you much. The Classic features a dated cabin design with nothing striking you eye but the built is solid.
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)
Maruti Suzuki Dzire 2012 Engines
Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Petrol Engine Specifications
- 1.2 Litre MPFI Petrol Engine
- K12 M Petrol Engine With VVTI Technology
- Peak Power of 85.8 BHP @ 6000 RPM
- Peak Torque of 114 Nm @ 4000 RPM
- ARAI Tested Mileage of 19.1 KMPL !
- 0 to 100 KMPH in 12.6 Seconds
- 5 Speed Manual transmission or 4 Speed Automatic transmission option in VXi variant only
- Kerb Weight between 960 Kg and 990 Kg
- ARAI Mileage = 19.1 KMPL for Manual Transmission and 17.4 KMPL for Automatic
Maruti Swift Dzire 2012 Diesel Engine Specifications
- 1.3 Litre DDiS CRDI Diesel Engine
- Turbocharged Diesel Engine
- Peak Power of 74 BHP @ 4000 RPM
- Peak Torque of 190 Nm @ 2000 RPM
- ARAI Tested Mileage of 23.4 KMPL !
- 0 to 100 KMPH in 14.8 Seconds
- 5 Speed Manual transmission only
- Kerb Weight between 1050 Kg and 1080 Kg
- ARAI Certified Mileage of 23.4 KMPL
Starting with the petrol variants of the two, the petrol Classic sports a big 1.6 litre engine that produces max power of 101 BHP at 6500 RPM and peak torque of 146 Nm at 3400 RPM. The Dzire petrol comes with a smaller 1.2 litre petrol unit that churns out 85.8 BHP of max power and 114 Nm of peak torque. Both in power and torque output the Classic beats the Dzire. If you look at the mileage figures once again you will notice that the Classic leads with 21.27 KMPL against Dzire’s 19.1 KMPL.
Up next is the diesel engine comparison. The Classic features a 1.4 litre Duratorq engine which is slightly bigger than Dzire’s 1.3 litre heart and produces 68 BHP at 4000 RPM of max power and 160 Nm at 2000 RPM of peak torque. The Dzire’s 1.3 litre unit delivers better torque and power figures of 190 Nm and 74 BHP at 2000 RPM and 4000 RPM respectively. In terms of fuel efficiency once again the Classic beats the Dzire with an astonishing figure of 32.38 KMPL. The Dzire does fairly good at 23.4 KMPL.
For lazy drivers the turbo lag below 2000 RPM in the Diesel Dzire could be noticeable and annoying at times but if you drive restlessly you might not even notice it. Ford’s diesel engine does not suffer from any such glitch and performs really well.
Performance & Handling
Talking about the Classic first, it is a great car to drive in the city traffic as well as on highway. The handling is super accurate and you would love throwing it around corners and sharp bends. The gearbox is very responsive, though it would take a while before you get used to it. The stiff suspension is superbly tuned to soak bumps and be comfortable enough for the passengers at the same time. Although the driving dynamics of the car are tremendous and so is the ride quality, it applies for the driver and the co-passenger at the front seats only and the passengers at the rear seat do suffer a little.
The 2012 Dzire features an upgraded suspension that offers good ride quality and great driving dynamics but when compared to the Classic, the Dzire lags behind. The comfort level is good on bumpy roads for the rear passengers. One of the things that could disappoint you is the performance of the brakes which are not good enough for panic braking.
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
Maruti Swift Dzire Price List
Maruti Swift Dzire Petrol price ex-showroom Delhi is as follows:
- Maruti Swift Dzire LXI : Rs. 4.88 lakhs
- Maruti Swift Dzire VXI : Rs. 5.41 lakhs
- Maruti Swift Dzire ZXI : Rs. 6.30 lakhs
Maruti Swift Dzire Diesel price ex-showroom Delhi is as follows:
- Maruti Swift Dzire LDI : Rs. 5.99 lakhs
- Maruti Swift Dzire VDI : Rs. 6.53 lakhs
- Maruti Swift Dzire ZDI : Rs. 7.34 lakhs
Ford Classic LXi (Petrol & Diesel) Vs Maruti Swift Dzire LXI/LDI
The base petrol and diesel models of Classic are priced at Rs. 5.54 lakhs and Rs. 6.81 lakhs respectively. Similarly the base petrol and diesel variants of Dzire are priced at Rs. 4.48 lakhs and Rs. 5.99 lakhs respectively. Not so surprisingly Maruti Suzuki has priced its product competitively which is why there is a significant difference of as much as 60,000+ INR and 80,000+ INR between the respective petrol and diesel base variants of Classic and Dzire. Feature wise comparison does not make sense here as they come with most basic of the features.
Ford Classic CLXi (Petrol & Diesel) Vs Maruti Swift Dzire VXI/VDI
Classic CLXi is the middle variant in both petrol and diesel line-up and is priced at Rs. 6.91 lakhs and Rs. 7.23 lakhs respectively. Similarly the Dzire VXI petrol and VDI diesel are priced at Rs. 5.41 lakhs and Rs. 6.53 lakhs. Consistently the price difference is maintained here as well with the Dzire being cheaper by 80,000 INR approximately for the petrol and 70,000 INR for diesel. A majority of the features such as audio system, keyless entry, central locking, collapsible steering wheel, fog lamps are present on both the cars, however the Dzire is slightly better.
Ford Classic Titanium (Petrol & Diesel) Vs Maruti Swift Dzire ZXI/ZDI
The top end models of both the cars are feature packed and there is no way they will not appeal to you. The top end Classic Titanium petrol and diesel is priced at Rs. 6.86 lakhs and Rs. 7.82 lakhs respectively. The Dzire ZXI petrol ZDI diesel are priced at Rs. 6.30 lakhs and Rs. 7.34 lakhs. Here as you notice the price difference has come down to 50,000 INR which is not much considering both the cars are good.
Car Blog India Verdict – Ford Classic Vs Maruti Swift Dzire
If you love driving and it is the most important thing and also you are not worried much about the features that your car is going to have, better pick the Classic. If beside good driving dynamics you wish to have some good features as well that too at a lower price, the Dzire is a great choice. Our suggestion is that if you are willing to pay between 7 to 8 lakhs INR for a diesel variant of either of the two models better go with the Classic Titanium as it is more value for money and offers brilliant fuel efficiency.
On the other hand if any of you is reluctant about spending that much money on Classic, then the Dzire should be your choice. But keep in mind that Fiesta is a complete sedan with larger 430 litres boot space compared to 316 litre in Dzire, so keep your luggage needs in consideration while making your decision. I hope you like the comparison, do stay tuned for more such comparisons on our car comparison series.
