2006 Ford Focus vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 2 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 76 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 81 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 Ford Focus (250 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1752 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1311 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
