2004 Ford Focus vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,981 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 297 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2001 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Ford Focus (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1981 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 50 L |
