2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 111 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. 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, 2006 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2006 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2006 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Focus |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.3 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
