2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Ford Focus
To start off, 2011 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2011 Ford Focus. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 232 kg more than 2011 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Focus. 2011 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | RX-8 | Focus |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4445 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1722 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2614 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 51 L |
