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I believe the Focus engine is made by Mazda and is virtually the same as used in the Mazda 3.
While every other change aboard the 2005 Focus is evolutionary, the implantation of two new engines is radical surgery. Gone are the Ford-designed Zetec 2.0-liter engines and in their place are Mazda-designed 2.0- and 2.3-liter powerplants wearing the Duratec label. Shared with the Mazda3, these new all-aluminum Duratecs don't differ much from the iron-block Zetecs in general specification; they're still fours wearing DOHC heads with four valves over each combustion chamber. But Ford claims they'll emit about 32-percent less noxious gases while delivering 24-percent more power and slightly better fuel economy.
The base 2.0-liter Duratec knocks out 136 horsepower in the Focus which is a 26-horsepower improvement over last year's base SPI eight-valve, and up six horsepower over the optional 130-horsepower Zetec. The 2.3-liter Duratec, which is currently restricted to the range-topping Focus ZX4 ST sport sedan (the 2005 Focus that comes closest to replacing last year's 170-horsepower SVT) is rated at 151 horsepower.
Interesting that the same "Duratecs" (actually they're called MZR in the Mazda) put out 148 and 160 hp, respectively, in the Mazda3. I guess Mazda kept the good stuff for themselves!
The two engines may be the "same" as far as displacement and construction goes, but Mazda (using VIS or whatever) has found a way to keep them different enough for me!
Here's a link to how Mazda usurps all that power out of the MZR. Still looking, but I can't find similar info on how Ford has the Duratec tuned out ...
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=mazdaSpeedDrivingEngineMZ- - R23
"Similar" engines or not, they are not the same car by any stretch. But don't just take my word for it. Here's a recent comparison test Motor Trend magazine did between the 2005 Mazda3s, Ford Focus ZX4 ST, Toyota Corolla XRS, Kia Spectra SX and Chevrolet Cobalt LS:
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0507_citylites/
It's a long article, so I'll summarize: Out of the five cars, the Mazda3 came in first. The Focus was fourth -- beaten by the Mazda3, Corolla and Kia in that order.
Meade
This may explain the diff in HP. Just in California alone, I believe, the Mazda 2.3 is rated at 156 HP and is still a SULEV with a couple of gadgets added. The HP is reduced slightly for a cleaner tail pipe, but as technology marches ahead, so does HP.
Yes, but you might want to check the Mazda5 discussions for info on that.
Meade
Left the Mazda3 in the garage - kind of sad to think that within a few hours my car may be treading water!
Anyone ever tried to float their Mazda3?
If by chance nature has her way with her... just keep comin' north to Fort Worth and I'll help you replace her with an 06'. I'll check into a pontoon option through Mazda accessories and have that pricing ready for ya when you get here. :shades:
EVERYONE...
Row, row, row your 3 gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily...
Any ways, let us know how it all turns out. Be safe and careful in that speedy traffic. Here's hoping everything and everyone comes out safely.
MIKEZOOMZOOM
p.s. most days I would think being chased at a 120 mph by someone called Katrina, Ophelia or Rita could be kind of fun :P
I've personally have had enough of these hurricanes...3 last year and 2 already this year. Eventhough we can't compare what we got from these 2 storms to the Gulf Coast, the same emotions are there when 1 is waiting for the storm to hit.
Godspeed to our friends in the Gulf Coast. I spent 4 years in New Orleans at Tulane and really fell in love with the city.
The Sandman
I posted this on both the Mazda 3 & 5 forums. Can anyone verify (or not) that the Mazda 5 roof rack/rail will fit on the Mazda 3 (especially the hatch)? If it does, I can imagine the reason why Mazda OE would want to keep this a secret.
The Sandman
Take your best shot with one forum and if nothing turns out in a week, then try another.
The Sandman
I guess you never owned a Volkswagen? :lemon:
If Mazda is concerned about a on going problem they should tell the dealers to treat the A/C seriously if any owners feel they have a problem
Speaking of diffuser plates, my dealer didnt know what the heck I was talking about neither did the mechanic.
Is there any conclusive info stating that some 2005's do NOT have diffuser plates or properly installed diffuser plates? :confuse:
Don't know about your info, but for us in the Vancouver Canada area (luckily it doesnt get very hot except it did last summer) those posting on local Mazda boards complained about the AC issue in both 04 and 05's. Seems like everyone here is complaining. Only half decent cooling occurs if you have your setting at 2 or higher.
I also have the grinding rear brakes - they have been fixed 2 times - helps for about a month - then they start grinding again.
Me gots all three. The first one hasn't been fixed. The second one apparently has. A new software update I got from the weekend has dramatically lessened (but not eliminated) the harsh shifting. Call your dealer for an appointment but check to see if they have it as it is very very new. The brake issue I am waiting until I have less pads and I near my 1 year mark.
BTW, my M3 is an 05 bought in February with only 4800 KMs currently.
I'm no expert on automotive assembly, but Meade has shown that Mazda does not manufacture the AC system. Since there might not have been a significant change to the system from one model year to the next (please correct if you know the facts), it isn't hard to believe that some 05's may not have the diffuser.
Now they are installing filters (part #BP4K-61-J6X) instead. The filter serves the same purpose - slowing the air flow over the evaporator - no plastic diffuser required.
But the car is fun to drive even though in the future it might be in the shop more than on the road. PO*
Meade
It's been nice chatting with most people here in the Mazda 3 Forum and I wish y'all well. Good luck and G-D bless!
The Sandman
I enjoy manual transmissions (especially the Mazda 3!), that's why I bought a vehicle with one. Many more like automatic transmissions, and they buy vehicles with AT.
Why do carmakers feel the need to sell AT vehicles with pseudo-MT features? IMHO, those who want an AT won't use it, and it won't make anyone who enjoys a manual transmission happy. :confuse:
It's the "gimmick war" going on. If Honda offers it, Mazda has to, etc. etc.
BTW - Edmund's forums is rated G compared to others (some don't qualify for R)
As richml has pointed out, there are some boards that are downright repulsive with a bunch of know-nothings who think they know everything and when you disagree and prove them totally wrong they make vicious personal attacks to cover up their own ignorance. Thankfully I'm not talking about anything on edmunds but some other mazda3 forums found around the internet.
Don't sweat it and hang around a while...
Daryl
i saw some posts in a toyota forum saying s/thing about greasing the driveshaft - is that what i should be doing too? lol, i don't even know what a driveshaft is!!
It is useful in hilly areas with the speed control cause you can lock in 2nd or third at low speeds if needed, or lock in 4th to keep it from downshifting on medium grades.
Sounds like a new angle for marketing the 3.
Meade
Actually I think the problem is that it is under-tired from the factory. The chassis itself is pretty firm, but the tires squish and move around a lot on turns. I was getting all kinds of "don't DO that" signals. True my usual car handles very well, but I couldn't even keep up with traffic on the high speed turns without feeling a bit uncomfortable. If a Ford diesel truck in front of me can scoot through that turn at 50 mph without wiggling, why couldn't the M3?
Tires, I think that's all it was.