2008 Ford Focus vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 183 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1425 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 Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
