So I've had my FiST for about a month now and I thought I would write up a brief comparison to my FoST (technically my wifes).
Background: both cars are bone stock; 2018 FoST ST1 with 5k miles on it (we live on a military base so we don't drive much at all), 2019 FiST base with around 700 miles. Both cars use 91oct from same gas station I have driven both cars on the same road in virtually identical weather conditions multiple times. There is very little variation in summer weather in North Central California (East-Bay).
And I got to say...... unfortunately........... the FoST is superior in virtually all meaningful ways.
Listen, I REALLY wanted to say the FiST was better in some respects (it's mine after all) and, it probably will be after I mod it. But as they sit right now, the FoST is better in almost every category.
Acceleration - This isn't even close. The FoST is much faster. The FiST "feels" fast but so does the FoST too! In fact, the FoST "feels" faster (ofc right lol).
Handling - This is was where I thought the FiST would clearly be better but, it really wasn't. When I took them both through some twisty's they felt VERY similar. OFC I didn't push them excessively hard but I did push them. The problem is the FoST just accelerates out of turns so much faster than the FiST. Now, after I mod the FiST it probably will handle better but in stock form it's hard to tell the difference and the FoST speed advantage puts it ahead.
Comfort - Also not even close. The FoST rides better, has less road noise, and is more ergonomic. It's slightly longer and wider than the FiST but only enough to really add a bit more hip room. They are both small cars. The FoST trunk is noticeably larger as well.
Aesthetics - I'm biased but I think the FiST looks slightly better
however they are very similar so kinda hard to say.
Practicality - Both cars are almost exclusively "city" driving and occasional twisty roads (virtually no highway driving) and the FiST does smoke the FoST in fuel economy. We average 23 mpg on the FoST and we got 30 on the second tank in the FiST. I'll also point out that the FoST has a notoriously poor turning radius (about the same as our single Cab Ram truck); the FiST easily beats it in this respect.
Anyway, thought some of you might find this write up interesting! Also, don't get defensive, I love my FiST and I can't wait to start digging into it. Heck, it's why we got it! The wife was adamant that our FoST was staying stock!