You can't really compare a FULLY LOADED car to the BASE trim of another one, yes they are both $26K
A fully loaded Fiesta with Leather Recarros, Navi and a moon-roof, is maybe 26K MSRP
A similarly equipped GTI is over 30K, Neither Navi is nor Leather nor moon roof are available on the $26K Base trim
Then factor in the $4000 incentives for the Fiesta, and you are looking at nearly a $10K difference.
But then the GTI is more accurately compared to the Focus ST not the Fiesta
Whoops, sorry I missed this. You can compare cars with similar options. Here's the breakdown:
-Heated Seats:
GTI: Comes standard
Fiesta ST: $2,000 option
-Navigation:
GTI: Standard if you have a smart phone
Fiesta ST: $795 option
-Special Colors:
GTI: All colors included with standard price
Fiesta ST: Special colors are a $595 option
-Sunroof:
(This is where the Fiesta has the edge)
GTI: Trim option
Fiesta ST: Also an option
-Premium Wheels w/ Red Brake Calipers
GTI: Comes standard with both
Fiesta ST: $375 option for painted brakes
Totals for cars with same options (minus sunroof):
Fiesta ST: MRSP $26,710
GTI: MRSP $26,415
So minus the sunroof (which I will give you granted the GTI's is like 2x the size of the Fiesta's ((Which is placed behind the driver))) we have 2 cars which when you option them to be equal are within $1,000 dollars of each other. That is well within comparable. This is not taking into account the GTI is a MUCH bigger car. That's the breakdown, that's why when you take the cars at face value with options that a lot of people include, they can be compared. Now that's not to say one is better than the other (Hell I sold my GTI for my Fiesta) but the GTI is much better value for how much car you get.