2005 Ford Focus vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Focus weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3.
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, 2005 Ford Focus (245 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
