2009 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 336 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 MX-5 Miata. 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 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Focus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1491 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 50 L |
