1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Ford Focus
To start off, 2011 Ford Focus is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Focus (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Focus weights approximately 165 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Ford Focus (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4445 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1722 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2614 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
