pros and cons; metro VS festiva; interesting discussion outside of forum

[htchbck]

interesting read on the F series motors. FE DOHC (FE3) and F2 and F2T and the H series trans

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_F_engine#FET

We have a discussion about the FE3, F2 and F2T going on right on this forum!

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38898

[walth]

I knew about that thread but I didn't know it involved the F2 and F2T (as per the title) lol

haven't really read it much, I'll get around to it soon thanks

[BigElCat]

I drive my Festiva almost everyday. I adore this car.

The Festiva gets 34mpg compared to the 43mpg I average from my Metro Xfi. I only drive the Xfi about once a week, because:

1)the metro is too low. I'm 6'2", and my body hinges wrong for getting in the Metro. My hair rubs the headliner, unless the seat is reclined way back, it drives me nuts.

2)the metro handles lame compared to my beefed up festiva. Of course the metro is stock, so the comparison isn't fair.

3)the syncros are going out on the metro tranny. The is a common malady, along with the rust at the front LCA attachment points, which mine has.

Pros of my Metro Xfi.

1)the 3 banger has surprising torque. It will spin the 12" tires, I have to make a conscious effort not to do this (I'm talking from a standing start, in 1st gear).

2) 43mpg combined.


I have two Swift GTi engines that are rebuildable cores. I bought these for my Samurai. I have no plans for beefing up my Metro. If I was going to build a Metro, I would find a convertible. Those are cool.

Maybe someday I'll put the Xfi 3 banger into the Samurai. That combo has potential.

[Brayy]

Prefer the Swift > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:19...-04-28)_01.jpg
Also known as the Holden Barina.. Very Nice if you can find a GTi Version (Y)

[Blitzed306]

Glad to see my post got some attention. I'm a huge Mazda/Ford Fan boy and would love to have something extremely light. I had two Festys in high school and I they made a good impression. First post here BTW

[walth]

sweet. welcome to the site. check out "user cp" up on the top left to modify your profile, etc.

do you know if 92celicahalftrac is into festiva's? I was impressed with his post. it's probably obvious from my first post up top. lol

[Damkid]

That is awesome that they linked my video to that discussion :headbang:

[Blitzed306]

I for one am floored by your KL swap. Its extremely impressive, I would love to do such a thing, But given how limited my shop is I only wish to swap a BP turbo in. I don't even own a Festy at the moment but I'm looking. Trying to learn what is the best turbo mill to put under the hood.

[walth]

well, there's certainly a lot of resources here!!

we're all just as impressed. it's crazy. seeing that car in person is awesome. true power house!

[bhazard]

Yup now he just needs to put that power to the ground... LOL

Anyway, if I were to go for pure MPG's, didnt care about anything else, Metro XFi... hypermilers get 60-70 mpg out of them all day long.

[Damkid]

Thanks guys

[Oren09]

I choose Festiva.
Personally, I think Metros are kind of ugly and the newer ones look like doughballs.
I like the Festiva styling much more than the metros.
I wouldn't mind an old Metro as a beater to play around with but I still prefer Festivas.

[Aaronbrook37]

Pros of my Metro Xfi.

1)the 3 banger has surprising torque. It will spin the 12" tires, I have to make a conscious effort not to do this (I'm talking from a standing start, in 1st gear).

2) 43mpg combined.

That's the cold camshaft at work there and some playing around with ignition timing. No reason you can't get either one of those out of your Festiva with a little practice and a small investment in a regrind and maybe a stronger ignition system.

[Joe Dirt]

I've had both I'm kinda nuetral they both have there good and bad.

I will say my festiva is faster all around even though it gets no where near the fuel milage

(The metro was 13:1 comp and had a ported head and later model cam)

90 model and sat dirty low lol wish I had pics still

[hamburglar]

What mileage does the metros get?
My festiva get 49mpg when i fill up everytime (highway all the way to work)