2000 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Focus would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2000 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 220 kg more than 2000 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Focus. (169 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Focus | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
