2002 Ford Focus vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Ford Focus is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2002 Ford Focus. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Focus weights approximately 230 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Ford Focus (169 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Focus | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2270 mm |
