1998 Ford Focus vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 90 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
