1998 Ford Focus vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 50 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Ford Focus (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Focus | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Focus | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 183 Nm | 163 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1065 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |