2009 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 1 kg more than 1997 Mazda RX-7.
Because 1997 Mazda RX-7 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 1997 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1997 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1311 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2430 mm |
