2005 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Focus weights approximately 86 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Focus. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | 323 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
