2012 Ford Focus versus Mazda 3 Mashup Review & 0-60 MPH Test

[TheDan4279]

i well take the ford over the mazde andy day

[1987slim]

Am I the only one that wants the old small cars back? I don't want all the bells and whistles. Manual everything with decent performance and good reliability. Light and fun to drive. I don't need all those electronics, I just want cheap and fun!

[daftpunk762]

i test drove both of these cars and I am going to get the ford. it has more hp, and the interior is much better. everyone who "hates" american cars, ALL cars will last a long time as long as you take care of them, get that thought outta your head that "foreign cars are so much better." well guess what we're not living in the 90's anymore.

[tigeroak]

@daftpunk762 The Mazda has several choices for horsepower 148,155,172 and 263 hp. I'm sure one of these has similar hp to a Focus.

[daftpunk762]

@tigeroak yes I know but the one that has more hp also cost about 22-23k, which in my opinion is too much. they're both nice cars though, I just really like the focus more

[shanad788]

I am going with Mazda definitely! In my opinion the Mazda 3 looks ten times better than the focus, and one thing I have to say is I HATE American cars!! They are so expensive and don't last long, so I think Mazda will win here.

[JohnXontic]

You guys should have used the Sport mode in the Focus. Just saying, for shifting purposes.

[TheTpanative]

Not sure I can trust Ford. I like the new Focus, but my transmission in my '93 Tracer fell apart driving across the Howard Franklin bridge....a $3k repair. My now 14 year old Civic is going strong. I have to side with Mazda here.

[Cumulusstrife]

@TheTpanative Hmm. Well, Ford owns 33% of Mazda, so you have to consider that. Also, I'm not sure what the longevity of your Honda Civic has to do with the predicted reliability of the Mazda3. Am I missing something here? To be honest, I'm rather wary of Ford's new-found apparent quality myself, and do tend to trust Japanese manufacturing.

[iggibars]

@Cumulusstrife, Actually, as of November 2012, Ford only has a 3% stake in Mazda.

[Cumulusstrife]

@iggibars Agreed - that's what I get for not checking Wikipedia!

[iggibars]

@TheTpanative Basing decisions from a product made 20 years ago is a pretty foolish decision. But, it's your decision regardless, even if it could be wrong.

[2asek]

Focus sucks, Mazda3 fucks!

[macsreviews]

I just can't get passed the looks of the Mazda. Plus it's really noisy on the inside, the Focus is silent and a nice smooth ride.

[1991JeepMan]

Lol.. have fun in that Ford all you want until the transmission dies on you. And don't flame... 90% of Ford's I've owned AND my family owned had transmission issues. Even the first tranny's in the new Focus had issues. Ford just can't do transmissions that well. But I love their style and durable engines.

[luisinhoens90]

@1991JeepMan

Transmissions aren't forever, neither the engines. I've always had a Ford at family, the first one was an 86 Tempo with a 5spd which had no issues (sold them in 2000), three Rangers, all were 5spd and just one had issues, a 89 with the 2.9L which blew at 210k miles, right now I have a 09 Focus II with an automatic and it'll be 4 years old this May, I've just replaced the battery so far. Just my uncle's 2000 Windstar has needed a tranny at 110k, so should I say I've been lucky?

[1991JeepMan]

@luisinhoens90 I would say you were. I shoulda been more specific.. my bad luck has always been with Ford car automatic transmissions. Truck tranny's for the most part have been solid. My current '07 Focus had 2 tranny failures in under 100k miles. Don't get me wrong... I love my Focus, and am glad it was warrantied at least. And hell, if someone can convince me this new transmission of Ford's is solid, I love the new Focus look and powertrain. But for now, I am hesitant.

[luisinhoens90]

@1991JeepMan

Well I'm aware your 07 Focus is different than my 09 Focus as mine is the second generation that never arrived to the US and Canada but I'm not sure if the transmission is the same, mine is also a 4spd but it's labeled Durashift as it has a "manual" mode to change the gears on your own (not very responsive though). I hope this one to not give me any problems for the next 2 or 3 years as I'm not replacing it anytime soon, I won't get the 12 Focus but maybe once it gets right.

[oreo8118]

I'm with the guy with the sunglasses all the way! Go Team Mazda! It is no clown car!

[mrscott75]

You can get a comparably equipped Focus for less than the Mazda3 and it still feels like it's worth thousands more. Does a fully loaded SEL cost more than the Mazda3? Yes. Is it only available in an automatic ($1000 upgrade)? Yes. Why is that? Who the hell knows, but I'll take my SE with a 5 speed, the Sport and Winter Package and Sync over it every time. Oh, and if you are looking at getting the Focus, do get the Sport Package. It's a steal at $800 and almost a no-brainer.

[Saab93V3ctor]

The new Mazda's grill makes it look like a special needs panda.

[LoveIsLogical]

This was a great video; Idk why people are so soft-skinned.

[Xcorgi]

This all boils down to whether or not you want style over substance. Do you want Mazda's more torque and more of a sports care experience with a killer Bose 10 speaker sound system or do you want Ford's cool new european syling with tech goodies that put thier loaded model at around $27,000.00. The loaded Mazda 3 comes in at $23,795.00. Besides, with Ford you need to get the lower powered hi-efficiency motors to actually get the 40mpg they promise. Mazda delivers it with the base engine.

[Fireblaze15]

The new mazda's arent that special. Mazda's styling has gone downhill. The new ford... Well im not sure if its even a ford anymore. That brand has had some bad reputation from what ive heard but this new focus.. Id get one in a heartbeat.

[paulg35c]

dude ford owns mazda!! same damn car!!

[Xcorgi]

@paulg35c You are correct only on one point. Yes, Ford owns Mazda. As far as the Focus and Mazda 3 are concerned, they share the same chassis. Thats where any and all similarities end for the 2012 model year on both vehicle. Check the Mazda site for the design of the protective cage around the passenger compartment then look at Ford's. Then there is totally different engines and transmissions. Not to mention interiors and body style. Plus Mazda gives you a Bose 10 speaker system! Not Ford! LOL!

[2003LincolnLS]

@paulg35c ford owns a small percent of mazda. so no.....its not the same car!

[2741718]

The Ford feels more special...the Mazda has a very good Chassis and is a very responsive car, but the steering is too light and almost without any feedback, and it is very stiff on the street. The ford is one of the best handling car and the steering is great and the damping is perfect. I love the Mazda but the Ford is my pick :)

[nitsudg]

@2741718

agreed! The Ford has that solid German engineering.

[arunmaroli]

0-60 in 11s in sporty compact? There are 8-passenger minivans that can do it in 2 seconds less.

[PieceOfRiceCake924]

@arunmaroli They certainly aren't the best drivers to test 0-60, as I can easily get under 8 seconds on Mazda 3 Skyactiv.

[thetaoofken]

The Mazda 3 is routinely put on worst looking cars list on the front end alone. I'm a fan of the Mazda 3, but I think the Focus is probably the better car now, thanks to continually evolving. Naturally, many buyers will ignore that because they assume all imports are better. This isn't the Ford from the '80s, they keep getting better & good on 'em for doing so. Now make an AWD focus like the Subaru WRX STI.

[NotSuchAnEvilBunny]

The Focus is not bad but it has one hang up- it's American.

[80skiwi]

@NotSuchAnEvilBunny

No. It's mostly German.

[docjekyll2002]

Lol. For sure i thoughtthese guys were gonna say Focus is the better car. I love my 2010 Mazda3. Bought it 6 months after it came out. But i decided to get a 3 after riding in my buddies' old 3 and Speed3

[NattDogg01]

The sedan Focus looks 100X better and will probably go 0-60 faster, but my favorite in this set is the Mazda. I have to say I can live with the cheap interior. It won't ever bother me because I will be focusing on the road while having fun driving.

[schoolyardxgamerz]

The Ford is f'in ugly!!!!! Sorry I hate the exterior on it...

[Wilburnator]

"It has all these things you would expect on a car costing thousands more"

Lol. it DOES cost thousands more... cool looking car, WAY over priced for a small Ford.

[soyntgo4it]

Mazda needs to work on their interiors to cheap looking. Focus better interior. Wait till the Focus St... Other test on 0-60 are less guess depends whos driving.. I'd pick either car fully loaded of course then see what the price was and sacrifice whatever I had to.

[chrisblued4]

im not a ford guy but i love the focus!

[asaadbokhari]

what i like about this channel is the comments

keep going guys you are the ...or maybe i would say one of the best

[launchini100]

They should have done this comparo whith the 5 speed MANUAL transmission focus as they use in the mazda 3, it is faster than that. Anyway , this comparo will be very interesting when focus ecoboost engines are sold in USA like they allready are in Europe. What is Ford waiting for?

[mnguevarra]

you guys didn't raise up the question: which one is cheaper? Mazda!

If the mazda has a grinning joker look, what about the ford?

DARK VADER!!!!!

[30mmBalistic]

really really really should have tested the 5speed Focus....really

[metroperson]

really like y'alls show......both cars I liked and I had a hard time figuring out which I liked best......very good.

[metroperson]

you lack a little between when the driver says now.....and yall hit the stop watch button

[romanmicagearguy]

That's why this video is called a "mashup review". We mashup two different cars.

[lffit]

@romanmicagearguy but seriously what is a "mashup" a comparison? sorry I am an Australian lol

[rorschach775]

@romanmicagearguy you guys explain this almost every time you do a mashup. have you considered just saying it in the video?

[romanmicagearguy]

@rorschach775 Good suggestion. Will do!

[wtgilles]

How can you guys compare a 6 speed auto and a 6 speed manual. An auto and manual trans are totally different for obvious reasons and accommodate different driving styles. The Focus does come in a 5 speed, which is an excellent trans. Maybe you should compare with the 5 speed Focus instead.

[fuzzyschwartz]

mercmilan06

He can get his focus 0-60 in 7-8 seconds



[fuzzyschwartz]

I thought the Focus has 160hp.

[HauntyStarchild]

I have it narrowed down to getting one of these two cars in 2012. Hard to choose, but I'm leaning towards the Mazda.

[DMasterMensionz]

i like how he treats the mazda 3 like garbage

[modmatt1]

Just wondering how much faster (and fun) the ford would have been with the manual (as was the Mazda), also in the lighter, but less handsome sedan version plus with less options that would have added to the weight. Definately a close one and tough choice to make. Nice comparison review guys.

[Mrjmoyer78]

Mazda 3...all the way....better proven car....the Focus is too new, with the cursed MyFordTouch

[razorx3113]

I test drove both these cars. The Ford rocks hands down. The duel clutch is awesome and handle like a dream. The ford does have it's limitations compared to the Mazda 3, take them both out and you notice the difference. With that said, I may buy a Focus 2013 and make sure they get their electronics up-to date.

[gogeleo]

5:41 Did we hit 60 yet?

5:49 now LOL

[ranacherian]

get an MS3

[kyguy105]

Comparing a almost 25k Focus to a 19k Mazda isn't fair. For 25k they should have brought the Mazdaspeed3.

[grado1000]

@kyguy105 That definitely is a large price difference. I own a 2010 Mazdaspeed3 and it would clean the floor with the Focus! I do like the Focus as well though, I'm excited for the ST model (though a RS would be better).

[blane237]

@kyguy105 The huge difference in price is due to the focus having tons of added features and packages and a completely base Mazda 3. If you would get a Mazda equipped with similar features you would be pushing 24k

[SecularTechnology]

'Ill take both of 'em. Mazda and Ford are still partners even though Ford only owns 6% now.

[igeekone]

Mazda SkyActiv all the way!

[summersenvy7]

Please stop with the whole smiling face gripe. Two headlights and grill, they all look like faces.

[polaris911]

Dude how is the 0-60 on the Mazda over 10 seconds?

My 2007 automatic Mazda 3 does 0-60 in 8.5. Manual does 7.5.

[NathanDAdlen]

@polaris911 Was that at over 6,000 feet elevation? Most magazines and videos record times near sea level. Oxygen deprivation or thin air change the combustion scale, lower horsepower and slow normally aspirated engines severely. Thanks for watching!

[mcallistermd]

The Mazda looks best as a hatchback in black...then it looks as good as the Ford...the sedan Mazda 3 is an atrocity. They basically are the same car though...same frame even.

[SuperCullen90]

i have an 08 focus and had nothing but issues, i got rid of it an made a huge upgrade to the 2011 mazda three would never go back!

[blane237]

@SuperCullen90 You have a 08 focus not a '12 focus

[tigeroak]

Looks like the Focus owners are in DENIAL , the mazda is faster and handles better. The usual excuses of bad gas and bad drivers.lol

[JonO387]

If you're testing 0-60, get people who can drive. I can do 0-60 in 7.5 in my focus.

[romanmicagearguy]

@JonO387 Do you also happen to live a mile above sea level or are just a better driver?

[Craig9080]

@romanmicagearguy You also has 2 full grown men in the car, probably not what Ford had for its 0-60 run

[fuzzyschwartz]

You say grown men. I say overweight men.

[Kingsoupturbo]

@romanmicagearguy I live at 3600ft and my Focus is much faster then that, sub 8second even losing 14% for altitude, Also its rated 160hp not 155? Mazda 3 does have excellent steering and manual is great, but the focus sport package with 18's and firmer dampening gets it real close

[NathanDAdlen]

@JonO387 Let us know if you can get 7.5 seconds at over 6,000 feet elevation. If so, you're da bomb! Thanks for watching.

[andavid]

@JonO387 Doubt very much even the best driver in the world can get a ford focus 2.0 to get to 60 in 7.5 seconds at 6000ft above sea level... high altitude, less pressure, less oxigen getting to the engine, also affects fuel economy!!!

[Bernadine71]

Not sure which one they tested.... But my Focus goes 0 - 60 in 8.2. Titanium trim on 235/40/18 on simple Husky's gas...



[lryan7390]

mazda 3 for sure/

[FrancineRA1970]

This is a good review boys. I wish Mazda fixed the "face" because the rest of the car is very nice. Cheers!

[jonaswang79]

But does he Nathan fit in the trunks?

[camshaft53149]

i also like how the 2.0 is called skyactiv yet gets same mpg and hp of a focus.. but its still pretty sweet cars to be honest.

[camshaft53149]

mainly the same cars, just one is a mazda and the other is a focus... mazda speed 3 is pretty much a focus st... well same specs pretty much and engine, as well as platform..

[94navin]

Mazda!!! Mazda!!! Mazda!!! Mazda!!! Mazda!!!

[tigeroak]

The Focus styling is really ugly,it looks like its trying to be a transformer and the rear looks terrible. Ford dropped 10 rankings in the latest consumer reports.

Go with the mazda!!!

[94navin]

@tigeroak for real and what the hell happened to the back the tail light looks like it they just slapped it on . kind of looks like when you trow a egg at the wall or when it falls on the floor. The front is nice though. When he talks about the Mazda interior their are other color available like the sand interior which is really nice mixture.

[tigeroak]

@tigeroak Yeah ,Whats with that tail light on the Focus.What a mess. I don't get why he is complaining about the black interior,when they show the Focus it has the same black interior? The "smile" is not an issue for me,personally I don't even see it. When I bought mine I asked people if they saw anything different about the front grill and they did not see it. Humans are programmed to see faces everywhere:in clouds,stains,potato chips,wood grain,rock formations etc etc.I see a car.

[tmanutd82]

I love how Nathan drives it, but I really don't like the Mazda 3 compared to the Focus.

[bawksybabee]

They both have seas of plastic inside and the Mazda3 has better economy not to mention it was faster... This was a joke

[fullgrip]

hey we need to see nathan in the trunk of one of these

[brandenkhan15]

I'd definitely get the 2012 Ford Focus over the 2012 Mazda 3

[yellowcow13]

Roman your reply to me is all messed up pls try again.

[romanmicagearguy]

@yellowcow13 So yes I did the sport mode and foot on brake and gas but I'm pretty certain that's not a formal "launch control" like in the VW Golf R. At any rate the car is a lot of fun but certainly not a rocket. For that you'll have to wait on the new Focus ST.

[yellowcow13]

@romanmicagearguy Thanks for the plesent review, thanks for the comment, and i cant wait for the ST! Try to stay true to the car guys. You guys dont have to be too funny. Just intresting and informative. BTW I like those off road reviews and that vid you did racing up that mega steep hill. Very cool

[axlplayer14]

I thought that the mazda had 158 hp and the focus had 160

[axlplayer14]

I thought it had 160hp

[techdude6693]

I test drove both of these cars, since I was in the market. I wanted one with all the bells and whistles in it. After driving both multiple times, I got the Mazda 3. The ford has a nice interior and looks better, but MyFordTouch is utter garbage IMO, if it was faster to respond, I'd like it better.

Not only that but the Ford's sticker was over 28K, and a similarly equipped SkyActiv Mazda 3 GT, is about 23K.

[BikeSwimLaugh]

@techdude6693 GREAT commentary!!! It is rather funny that these guys agree the Ford looks better and has a better interior...but the Mazda handles better and is faster. And I'm thinking "Faster? Really...faster? Do people really buy these cars for speed? If it's not faster then 7 seconds then it's not even a sport car, the faster aspect seems almost pointless...but handling is nice. Your point, being $5k less and having better mpg, that's a HUGE factor when considering cards like this!!

[techdude6693]

@BikeSwimLaugh Yea. I think the ford is a bit overpriced. The dealer I went to even had a fully optioned out MazdaSpeed 3 for under 27K.. But even when you get the Mazda 3 Skyactiv GT for 23K, you're getting Nav, Keyless Entry, Leather Seats, Bose Sound System, Sunroof, etc.. if you don't want that stuff you can buy it for well under 20K. The least you'd spend on a focus with all of those features is 26K on the SEL Trim. 28K if you go up to titanium. A mazda 3 2.5 isn't even that much.

[BikeSwimLaugh]

So it stands to reason the Mazda is clearly the dollar-per-value winner. That really sucks because I'd like to give the money to an American company. Oddly enough, I drive a Hummer H2 and my sport car is a Ferrari 360, both suck gas...so I (and my brother) are looking for a cute little high mpg car just to scoot around town with, park anywhere and get it done simple, we're not trying to make sport/race cars out of them. So which Mazda gets the highest mpg? I want the hatchback version, thanks!

[techdude6693]

@BikeSwimLaugh Well Mazda is owned partly by Ford, so in a way some of it goes to an american company :). If you want the hatchback, there are 2 engine choices (not including the Speed version). the Skyactiv 2.0L with 155HP and 148 Torque which gets 28/39 rated mileage and then the 2.5L with 167HP and 168 Torque and gets 22/29 milage. Personally I went for the 2.5, its my only car since I'm in college, and I average 28 in mixed driving. Sticker says 25-26. the skyactiv gets about 35-36 average

[BikeSwimLaugh]

@techdude6693 Dude, you're a wealth of information, thanks! So which one should I go with...the 2.0 or 2.5? Since I'm not trying to make it a sports car I may as well go with the higher mpg engine, and it seems like it's a LOT higher at 28/39 Oddly enough, I work from home and don't drive much, is the Skyactive considerably more?

[techdude6693]

@BikeSwimLaugh I drove both and honestly, as a daily driver, the 2.0 is good enough. Its the base motor, so its actually less than the 2.5. If you want a loaded one you're looking at 23, but if you just want a bare bones one, its 19K. Save another $800 if you get the manual transmission. With destination, the 2.5 is under 25K. The only thing you can add on it is a $1400 tech package that has Xenon lights, blind spot monitoring and a couple other things, but IMO you don't need it.

[BikeSwimLaugh]

@techdude6693 Not to sound like a daft prick, but I just blew almost $5k on a clutch job for my Ferrari and some work on the hydraulic top...money is not an issue. I want the higher mpg and I like stick, but the creature comforts are fun...best I head to the dealer and see what's up. They always have a selection on the lot and try to shove those down our throat, but I'll have one built for me and wait. Thanks again!

[techdude6693]

@BikeSwimLaugh no problem. Just the one thing is that if you want the fully optioned up 2.0 its auto only. The 2.5 you can get with a manual in any trim, and its like $24,100 for the Stick shift 2.5 with all the creature comforts

[BikeSwimLaugh]

@techdude6693 I think I should probably just go with the auto. My oldest daughter is 12 and this will be a perfect hand-me-down car in 4 years, best to go with auto so she can focus on not getting into an accident (you know how new drivers are). Auto is also more appealing when selling the car used. Again, I'll hit the dealer. Tnx! : ) Lemme know when ur in L.A. I'll let ya drive the F-car

[techdude6693]

@BikeSwimLaugh haha, I live in Irvine. pretty close by :)

[volpe8765]

@techdude6693 maybe with all the bells and whistles you could get a 2012 focus up to 28K but the focus as alot more technology than mazda, self park, etc. I know how to parallel park and I will agree MFT is garbage so I didnt get it and I walked out tags and title with my 2012 Focus SE sport package( best performance you can get) for $21,500. and In a real head on highway speed race I beat a semi recent 2.3liter Mazda3( it wasnt skyactive but the newer body style

[techdude6693]

@volpe8765 If you get a SkyActiv Touring, which is a bit more basic. It retails for about 20K. Haggle a bit and u can get it down to 18,500 (before taxes obv). Either way, I don't have the mazda anymore

[ShermanMR2]

Hey guys, I love your videos. Keep them coming.

[MFforTGusa]

Hey, does Nathan fit?

[JETZcorp]

10.8 seconds for the Mazda...

12.0 seconds for the Focus...

HOLY SHIT! I didn't realize that elevation killed power quite that badly. To put this in perspective, the vehicle I drive from day-to-day is a 2003 Ford Windstar. That's a 4100lb (give or take) minivan. I timed the 0-60 at 9.0 seconds with just myself in the car, and we got 10.0 seconds with another person in the car. That's at sea-level of course, but damn. Then again, ole Windy does have 240lb-ft of torque from that pushrod V6.

[gene978]

Haha Roman. I love your little excitement with the wheel spin haha. Clown car I agree! Why? Which ones $5000 cheaper as tested? But serious i hear Ford dropped 10 places in overall satisfaction this year. Why? The transmissions from China

[goru426]

@gene978 You are right, Ford did very well for the last 2-3 years, but now it is down again.

We are looking for a small car. I drove the Focus and it feels somehow cheap and plasticky. Right now the Elantra and the new 5 door Impreza are the best choices.

[i010524]

The new focus is one of ugliest cars in the segment!

Unlike the old model, wich was one of the best looking!

[JeremyLikeCorvettes]

real awesome both cars love the blue on the mazda

[XxViciousxX]

very amusing review id take the ford for sure i could not drive that Mazda it looks really bad i don't know who at Mazda thought that looked good but that's just my opinion.

[RaidenF8]

I really liked the way u guys compared these two cars. I'll go with Mazda as well, but can't be a fan of that smiley face of it.