2008 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Mazda 626
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 626 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Mazda 626.
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, 1996 Mazda 626 (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1996 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | 626 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2620 mm |
