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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Focus (136 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Focus weights approximately 156 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Ford Focus (175 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1311 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 50 L |
