The North American Ford Fiesta, actually has stiffer suspension settings than its European counterpart. But before you get all excited the minimal changes are simply to compensate for the American car's extra 120 lb. (Fiesta 2580lb Mazda 2305lbs) or so of heft/safety equipment, and the taller, softer sidewalls of the Fiesta 16-in. all-season tires (Euro models come with summer tires). On the plus side, the Fiesta feels more substantial than its competitors, and offers a surprisingly supple ride.
the 2 can get to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds (quicker than the Fiesta 9.7sec ) If driving dynamics are your main priority, the Mazda2 may give the fits, and prove the Fiesta to be a siesta!
So, if you're looking for driving spirit in your daily driver, the Mazda2 with the manual transmission is the ride for you. Despite giving away 20 horses to its Ford cousin, the Mazda2 (100HP 1.5L) is lighter, quicker and nimbler. That doesn't mean the Fiesta (120HP 1.6L) shouldn't be on your shopping list.
Some prefer the looks of the Ford and if you're looking for an automatic, we'd opt for the Blue Oval's state-of-the-art PowerShift 6-speed over the Mazda 4-speed automatic. (though I personally own one with a CVT)