2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Ford Focus
To start off, 2012 Ford Focus is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Focus (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 461 kg more than 2012 Ford Focus.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Ford Focus (198 Nm @ 4450 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Focus |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4450 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1324 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4359 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1824 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 47 L |
