2005 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Focus would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Focus weights approximately 30 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, 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Focus. (169 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
