Difference between mazda3 and ford focus ?

[fjaysay1017]

Besides the exterior design, what are the major difference ? My friend has a ford focus and the engine bay looks almost alike. It even seems as if the engine are alike. I know ford is partner with Mazda when it comes to build cars, but am I just realizing mazda3 is basically the Japanese version of ford focus?

Correct me, if you please.

[Oricle]

depends on the year focus. they have many similarities, but there are more differences that meets the eye. engine wise they share a simular block design but the head, intake, and exhaust are different. mazda uses the C1 chassis (same as the global focus, 3rd gen focus, volvo c30, s40, v50) while the domestic focus uses the C170.

[MZ3Driver]

Here's a comparison by Fifth Gear. It's a little bit dated and features the Euro spec versions, but it's a starting point for comparisons.

New Mazda 3 vs Ford Focus

[austin]

Damn Focus got wrecked in that video lol

[say chi sin lo]

44.8mpg?! 1.6L or not, I bet a lot of people on this forum are dying to get one...

[Oricle]

[quote author=Say Chi Sin Lo link=topic=187988.msg3967945#msg3967945 date=1300569243]
44.8mpg?! 1.6L or not, I bet a lot of people on this forum are dying to get one...
[/quote]

different test cycle and they use Imperial Gallons which are larger (4.55l vs 3.79l US)

[MZ3Driver]

[quote author=Oricle link=topic=187988.msg3967977#msg3967977 date=1300573140]
different test cycle and they use Imperial Gallons which are larger (4.55l vs 3.79l US)
[/quote]

Cool. I did the math and it comes out to 37.317 mpg in U.S. gallons. Getting close to some hybrids out here!

Going back to the OP, there are a lot of Ford branded parts in the Mazda 3 suspension. Mazda and Ford also share the Duratech engine, but Mazda added Variable Valve Timing to it which allows for more torque at high rpms and improves fuel efficiency.

[fjaysay1017]

I was told, ford focus and mazda3 have the same reliability, which scares me the most. Especially since I heard most ford focus end up dying after hitting 100k-150k. ._.

[MZ3Driver]

[quote author=fjaysay1017 link=topic=187988.msg3968385#msg3968385 date=1300634910]
I was told, ford focus and mazda3 have the same reliability, which scares me the most. Especially since I heard most ford focus end up dying after hitting 100k-150k. ._.
[/quote]

I don't have enough history with Mazda, but I'm sure there are some long timers here who would know. But both Ford and Mazda have improved considerably since 2005. I checked Consumer Reports reliability and both rate "above average" (mostly solid orange circles for those who read Consumer Reports), with the Mazda 3 in the lead.

[allfiredup]

[quote author=MZ3Driver link=topic=187988.msg3968384#msg3968384 date=1300634841]

Cool. I did the math and it comes out to 37.317 mpg in U.S. gallons. Getting close to some hybrids out here![/quote]

But at what cost in terms of performance? The 0-60 time for the 1st generation 1.4L model was 14.3 seconds, definitely not 'Zoom Zoom' worthy....hardly worth a single 'Zoom'!

Going back to the OP, there are a lot of Ford branded parts in the Mazda 3 suspension. Mazda and Ford also share the Duratech engine, but Mazda added Variable Valve Timing to it which allows for more torque at high rpms and improves fuel efficiency.

You are correct that Ford used a non-VVT version of the 2.3L in the Focus to save a few bucks. But when they introduced the Fusion/Milan mid-size sedans in 2006, they decided to add VVT and it was rated 160hp, the same as a 2006 Mazda3 s.

As far as concerns about reliability, the Ford Fusion was one of the main vehicles that helped Ford earn it's current reputation for reliability! That wouldn't be the case if they had a bum engine.

The 2004 Mazda3 was built on the Ford C1 platform, along with the 2004.5 Volvo S40/V50 and 2005 (international) Ford Focus. Ford didn't think North American consumers would pay more for a 'premium' compact, so they continued to build the North American Focus on the old C170 platform. As a result, the Mazda3 has a lot more in common with a post-2005 Focus sold in Europe or Asia than with the one sold here.

Like so many other inexpensive (cheap) small cars, the Focus may not deserve a reputation for lack of durability/reliability. The target buyers were young and with limited financial resources- translation: kids who drive the hell out of them but don't bother (or can't afford) to have the oil changed! I don't think it's just a coincidence that every pre-2006 Focus I see for sale looks like it's been to hell and back... =)