1998 Ford Focus vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 8 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mazda 3 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | 3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.6 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
