Not as such a competion but as everyone refers to the Mk3 as either Mk3 or Mk3.5 so im going to document the differences.
The so called Mk3.5 came along in early 1994, allthough very similar there as a few changes you may not have noticed. There are some cars that seem to have a bit of both. Many parts are interchangable accross the range.
Allthough not a diffinitive list, the info is what ive got from personal experience and browsing through brochures/forums/parts catalogues.
| Mk3 | Mk3.5 |
| Fuel filler cap mounted on wing | Fuel filler cap mounted behind flap on wing |
| No side impact beams inside door | Side impact beams inside doors |
| “Mk3” Floorpan | “Mk3.5” floorpan, also the same as Mk4/5 |
| “Mk3” Seat subframes | “Mk3.5” seat subframes, also the same as Mk4/5 |
| Standard Shell | Shell has “Re-inforced Safety Cage” See brochure scans – the New Fiestas 1994 (Page 5) |
| Orange Indicators | Clear Indicators |
| No Airbags | Drivers airbag as standard |
| Electric window switches in centre console | Electric window switches in door bins |
| Wiring for boot pop enters boot at contact switches on boot | Wiring for boot pop enters through top of boot, through rubber grommit |
| Outer CV joint external teeth – 23 Outer CV joint inner teeth – 22 Inner joints, same accross both mk3 and mk3.5 | Outer CV joint external teeth – 25 Outer CV joint inner teeth – 22 Inner joints, same accross both mk3 and mk3.5 |
| Inner joints same across mk3/mk3.5 | |
| Actuall driveshaft is same across mk3/mk3.5 as far as im aware | |
| Front wheel bearing Outer Diameter 60mm Width 18.5mm Bore 35mm | Front wheel bearing Outer Diameter 72mm Width 37mm Bore 39mm |
| Front shock absorber, where inserts into bearing carrier – 44mm | Front shock absorber, where inserts into bearing carrier – 45.5mm |
| Mk3 Mirrors | Mk3.5 mirrors – New sleeker design |
| Hole in bulkhead where steering column goes through – small | Hole in bulkhead where steering column goes through – larger |
| Engine bay same colour as car | Engine bay black. |
| Seat belt adjusters ‘Up to Jan 94’ (B Pillar appears to be slightly curved)Bolts that secure onto pillar are different thread to a later model too. | Seat belt adjusters ‘Jan 94 onwards’ (Sit flat in slightly recessed B pillar)Bolts that secure onto pillar are different thread to a earlier model too. |
Notes
– It is possible to put mk3 seats onto mk3.5 subframes, ie recaros, just need to basically unbolt and bolt back on.
– Mk3.5 mirrors can be fitted to mk3s, you need to enlarge the hole where the adjuster goes through though.
– If you want to fit mk3 suspension the mk3.5 hubs/bearing carriers, you can create a shim from a very thin peice of metal, seems to work a treat.