2008 Ford Focus vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 36 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.5 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
