Which Ford Festiva Version Should You Buy?
The Ford Festiva version to choose depends mainly on whether you value low kerb weight, a newer engine specification, or maximum output. The first generation, produced from 1986 to 1993, offers 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT versions with 63 hp. The second generation, produced from 1993 to 2000, raises output slightly to 64 hp and replaces the Carburetor system with Distributed injection (multi-point).
The Ford Festiva version to choose depends mainly on whether you value low kerb weight, a newer engine specification, or maximum output. The first generation, produced from 1986 to 1993, offers 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT versions with 63 hp. The second generation, produced from 1993 to 2000, raises output slightly to 64 hp and replaces the Carburetor system with Distributed injection (multi-point). The third generation, produced from 1996 to 2003, is the strongest choice: its 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT produce 83 hp, while the 1.5 AT reaches 100 hp. On the available figures, the first-generation 1.3 MT has the best weight-to-power ratio among versions with measured kerb weight, while the third-generation 1.5 AT provides the highest power and torque.
Ford Festiva generations: what changed?
The first-generation Ford Festiva ran from 1986 to 1993 as a Mini 5-doors model with two versions: 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT. Both use a 1323 cc Gasoline engine with 4 Inline cylinders, 2 valves per cylinder, no boost, and a Carburetor system. Each produces 63 hp (46 kW) at 5500 rpm and 102 Nm at 3500 rpm. The 1.3 MT has a 5-speed Manual gearbox, while the 1.3 AT has a 4-speed Automatic. Both are FWD.
The second generation ran from 1993 to 2000 as a Hatchback 5-door with two versions, again named 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT. Their 1324 cc Gasoline engine retains 4 Inline cylinders, 2 valves per cylinder, and no boost, but uses Distributed injection (multi-point). Output is 64 hp (47 kW) at 5000 rpm and 100 Nm at 3000 rpm. The 1.3 MT uses a 5-speed Manual gearbox; the 1.3 AT uses a 3-speed Automatic. Both are FWD.
The third generation ran from 1996 to 2003 as a Mini 5-doors model with three versions: 1.3 MT, 1.3 AT, and 1.5 AT. The 1.3 versions use a 1323 cc Gasoline engine producing 83 hp (61 kW) at 6000 rpm and 108 Nm at 4000 rpm. The 1.5 AT has a 1498 cc Gasoline engine producing 100 hp (74 kW) at 6000 rpm and 127 Nm at 4500 rpm. All three have 4 Inline cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, no boost, Distributed injection (multi-point), and FWD.
These figures reveal the main generational trade-offs. Compared with the first generation, the second-generation 1.3 gains 1 hp but loses 2 Nm. The third-generation 1.3 adds 19 hp and 8 Nm over the second-generation engine despite having 1 cc less displacement. Moving from the third-generation 1.3 to its 1.5 AT adds 175 cc, 17 hp, and 19 Nm.
Ford Festiva engine and specs
Because version names recur, the generation and output are included alongside every exact database name.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.3 MT | 63 hp | 102 Nm | 1323 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation 1.3 AT | 63 hp | 102 Nm | 1323 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 1.3 MT | 64 hp | 100 Nm | 1324 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 1.3 AT | 64 hp | 100 Nm | 1324 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation 1.3 MT | 83 hp | 108 Nm | 1323 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 1.3 AT | 83 hp | 108 Nm | 1323 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation 1.5 AT | 100 hp | 127 Nm | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
Power per litre helps compare engines of different sizes. The first-generation 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT each deliver approximately 47.6 hp per litre. The second-generation 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT deliver approximately 48.3 hp per litre. The third-generation 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT reach approximately 62.7 hp per litre, while the third-generation 1.5 AT produces approximately 66.8 hp per litre. The 1.5 AT therefore combines the greatest absolute output with the highest calculated power per litre.
The third generation also moves from 2 valves per cylinder to 4 valves per cylinder. Its 1.3 versions produce 20 hp more than the first-generation 1.3 versions, an increase of about 31.7%, while displacement remains 1323 cc. The third-generation 1.5 AT produces 37 hp more than the first-generation versions, or approximately 58.7% more.
Ford Festiva performance and mpg
The first-generation 1.3 MT is the only version with measured acceleration data: 0–100 km/h takes 12.7 seconds. Acceleration for the first-generation 1.3 AT, both second-generation versions, and all third-generation versions is not measured.
Top speed is measured for two Manual versions. The first-generation 1.3 MT reaches 158 km/h, while the second-generation 1.3 MT reaches 145 km/h, a difference of 13 km/h. Top speed for the first-generation 1.3 AT, second-generation 1.3 AT, third-generation 1.3 MT, third-generation 1.3 AT, and third-generation 1.5 AT is not measured.
Ford Festiva mpg and fuel-consumption figures are not measured for any version. City consumption, highway consumption, and combined consumption are all not measured, so the available data cannot support an economy ranking. CO₂ output and environmental class are also not measured for every version.
Ford Festiva dimensions, weight, clearance, and tank capacity
The first-generation 1.3 MT has a measured kerb weight of 770 kg. Kerb weight for the first-generation 1.3 AT is not measured. Both first-generation versions have 160 mm of ground clearance and a 38 L fuel tank.
The second-generation 1.3 MT has a measured kerb weight of 909 kg. Kerb weight for the second-generation 1.3 AT is not measured. Both versions provide 130 mm of ground clearance and a 38 L fuel tank.
In the third generation, the 1.3 MT weighs 910 kg and the 1.5 AT weighs 990 kg; the 1.3 AT kerb weight is not measured. All third-generation versions have 145 mm of ground clearance and a 43 L tank.
Gross weight is not measured for any Ford Festiva version, and wheel sizes are not measured for any version. Overall exterior dimensions are also not measured in the supplied specifications.
Among versions with measured kerb weight, the first-generation 1.3 MT is 139 kg lighter than the second-generation 1.3 MT and 140 kg lighter than the third-generation 1.3 MT. The third-generation 1.5 AT is 80 kg heavier than the third-generation 1.3 MT.
Calculated weight per horsepower changes the comparison. The first-generation 1.3 MT carries approximately 12.2 kg per hp, the second-generation 1.3 MT approximately 14.2 kg per hp, and the third-generation 1.3 MT approximately 11.0 kg per hp. The third-generation 1.5 AT also works out at approximately 9.9 kg per hp. On these measured weights, it has the strongest power-to-weight result.
Ground clearance is greatest in the first generation at 160 mm. That is 30 mm more than the second generation and 15 mm more than the third generation. The third generation also gains 5 L of fuel-tank capacity over either earlier generation.
Ford Festiva suspension and brakes
Every version has Independent, spring front suspension. The first generation uses Semi-independent, spring rear suspension, while the second and third generations use Independent, spring rear suspension.
The first- and second-generation versions have Disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes. Every third-generation version has Ventilated disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes. These specifications make the third generation the only one in the supplied data with ventilated front discs.
Which Ford Festiva version should you choose?
Choose the first-generation 1.3 MT if low measured kerb weight and ground clearance matter most. Its 770 kg kerb weight is the lowest recorded here, and its 160 mm clearance is the highest. It is also the only version with both measured acceleration and measured top speed: 12.7 seconds to 100 km/h and 158 km/h. Its trade-off is the lowest output level, shared with the first-generation 1.3 AT, at 63 hp.
Choose the second-generation 1.3 MT if you specifically prefer its combination of Distributed injection (multi-point), a 5-speed Manual gearbox, and 64 hp. However, its measured 909 kg kerb weight gives it the weakest calculated weight-per-horsepower figure among the Manual versions with known weights. Its 130 mm ground clearance is also the lowest of the three generations.
Choose the third-generation 1.3 MT if you want the strongest Manual version. It produces 83 hp and 108 Nm, giving it 19 hp and 8 Nm more than the second-generation 1.3 MT. Although it weighs 910 kg—only 1 kg more than the second-generation Manual—it improves the calculated weight-to-power figure from approximately 14.2 to 11.0 kg per hp. It also has Ventilated disc front brakes and a 43 L tank.
Choose the third-generation 1.3 AT if an Automatic gearbox is required but the 1323 cc engine is sufficient. It matches the third-generation 1.3 MT at 83 hp and 108 Nm and uses a 4-speed Automatic. Its kerb weight, acceleration, top speed, and consumption are not measured, so those points cannot be compared reliably with the Manual.
Choose the third-generation 1.5 AT when maximum output is the priority. Its 100 hp and 127 Nm exceed the third-generation 1.3 AT by 17 hp and 19 Nm. Relative to the third-generation 1.3 MT, its measured weight rises by 80 kg, but its calculated weight per horsepower still improves from approximately 11.0 to 9.9 kg per hp. With the highest power, highest torque, and strongest calculated power-to-weight result among versions with measured weight, the 1.5 AT is the clearest performance-oriented choice.
The available data does not identify Ford Festiva price, reliability, common problems, service requirements, or parts availability. It therefore cannot determine which version is cheapest to buy or maintain. Based strictly on the supplied specifications, the first-generation 1.3 MT favors low weight and clearance, the third-generation 1.3 MT is the strongest Manual option, and the third-generation 1.5 AT offers the highest performance potential.