2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Ford Focus
To start off, 2010 Ford Focus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Focus (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Focus weights approximately 74 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Ford Focus (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Focus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1116 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4445 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1722 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2614 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
