Just wanted to add alittle info because it isn't quite an apples to apples comparison. Auto hatchback vs manual sedan. I would expect to see some comparison tests coming out very soon. I am really interested in the Mazda2 vs. Fiesta vs. Fit stack up, maybe throw a base mini cooper in there also.
2011 Mazda 2 Touring
Displacement: 91 cu in, 1498 cc
Power (SAE net): 100 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 98 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION:
4-speed automatic
Curb weight:
2341 lb
Mazda 2 Review: 2011 Mazda 2 Touring Automatic Test ? Car and Driver
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 10.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 38.9 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 10.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 17.9 sec @ 77 mph
Top speed (redline limited): 103 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 181 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 g
2011 Ford Fiesta SEL
Displacement: 97 cu in, 1596 cc
Power (SAE net): 120 bhp @ 6350 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 112 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
TRANSMISSION:
5-speed manual
Curb weight:
2583 lb
2011 Ford Fiesta SEL - Short Take Road Test - Auto Reviews - Car and Driver
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 9.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 29.1
Street start, 5–60 mph: 9.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 17.0 sec @ 82 mph
Top speed (Drag Limited): 119 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.81 g
2007 Mini Cooper
Displacement: 98 cu in, 1598cc
Power (SAE net): 118 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 114 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
Curb weight: 2555 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 7.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 24.7 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 8.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.3 sec @ 85 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 126 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 162 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g
2007 Mini Cooper - Specs - Car and Driver
Not to get too off topic with the Mini, but I a surprised by how much quicker the mini is than the fiesta considering how similar they are on paper.