2005 Ford Focus vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2005 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mazda RX-8 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 RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Focus. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1392 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
