2006 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 1,752 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Focus (113 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 186 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2009 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1752 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1311 kg | 1125 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 |
