The Dodge Dart is taking the automotive world by storm. With impressive styling, a variety of powertrains and a long list of standard and available features, the Dart is set to be the car to beat. Although the Ford Fiesta competes in the same class, the Dart overwhelms in nearly every category.

 

 

The Dodge Dart SE starts at an MSRP of $15,995, and is also available in SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T trims to ensure that all buyers get the Dart they want. The smaller Ford Fiesta S Hatch starts at $14,100 and is also available in SE and SES trims. The Fiesta, however, doesn’t offer the standard features, or the warranty, of the Dart, and it doesn’t match the Dart in personalization, using a more one-size-fits-all approach.

 

 

The Ford Fiesta is a fine looking car, but it’s not what most would consider stylish. For those who demand more, the Dart boasts an Alfa Romeo-based theme. The words “timeless, stylish and distinctive” have all been used to describe the Dart. With LED “racetrack” taillamps, a crosshair grille and class-exclusive available dual exhausts, the Dart is like no other compact on the road. All buyers want their cars their way, and Dodge understands that. That’s why the Dart offers 12 exterior colors, 14 interior colors and trim combinations and six wheel options. You simply won’t find that kind of variety in the Fiesta.

 

 

All models of the Ford Fiesta come standard with the same 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 120 hp and 112 lb/ft of torque through either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed PowerShift automatic. The Dart, on the other hand, gives buyers a variety of powertrain options. Dart SE, SXT, Rallye and Limited trims come standard with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder Tigershark engine that puts out an energetic 160 hp through a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed Powertech automatic is available. Also available are a 1.4-liter MultiAir^® Turbocharged Intercooled engine that puts out 160 hp, and a new Tigershark 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 four-cylinder that produces 184 hp. A six-speed dual dry clutch (DDCT) transmission can also be found on select Dart models. The Fiesta doesn’t come close to matching the Dart in the powertrain department, in either performance or depth of choice.

 

 

While both the Fiesta and Dart have inviting interiors and put an emphasis on passenger comfort, the Dart goes above and beyond. The Fiesta comes standard with items you would expect in a compact car, including an auxiliary input jack and air conditioning, but it lacks simple features like power windows. The Dart, however, was named to Ward’s “10 Best Interiors” list and was also labeled the “most technologically advanced” car in its class. The Dart offers a host of features, including a seven-inch, premium Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display for navigation and other information, an 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch^™ system with AM/FM/CD/MP3, and available Garmin^® Navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Travel Link. The 8.4-inch screen also happens to be the largest in its class. Nappa leather seats and a class-exclusive heated steering wheel are also available on the Dart.

 

The Dart is longer and wider than the Fiesta and sits on a wheelbase that’s larger by more than eight inches. These dimensional advantages allow the Dart to provide its occupants more rear legroom, front and rear shoulder room and front and rear hip room. Hip room and shoulder room in the Dart happen to be best-in-class figures.

 

 

Both the Dart and the Fiesta come standard with Electronic Stability Control, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Antilock Brakes. The Dart provides superior occupant protection through more than 60 safety and security features, including 10 standard airbags compared to the seven airbags found on the Fiesta. The Dart also comes standard with Hill Start Assist, which is an option on the Fiesta. Rainy Brake Support, Hydraulic Boost Compensation, Ready Alert Braking and segment-exclusive Rear Cross Path Detection are also part of the available safety suite on the Dart that you won’t find on any Fiesta. Plus, with a five year, 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty – 40,000 miles more than Fiesta – the Dart offers more peace of mind.

 

The 2013 Dodge Dart offers eye-catching design, tremendous value, class-exclusive features and amenities and a wealth of exciting powertrain options that the Ford Fiesta can’t match. Contact us today and let us help you decide which Dart model is right for you.