2006 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Focus would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 374 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.
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, 2009 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
