2004 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Focus would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 158 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 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 2008 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 (200 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
