1999 Ford Focus vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Focus would be higher. At 1,838 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (148 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 160 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Focus | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
