2009 Ford Focus vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 117 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2009 Ford Focus (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 6.4 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 | 1311 kg | 1428 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 | 4.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
