The Mazda5's 2.5-liter, 157-horsepower four-banger and five-speed automatic transmission are serviceable, but there's more exertion than passion underfoot here.

WSJ: 2012 Mazda5 Review: Yes to Convenience, No to Bloat | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

The Ford chassis engineers have so outclassed the powertrain a 2.0-liter, direct-injection four-banger with 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, and that at a cringe-y 4, 450 rpm that you can't help but walk away feeling that the car is woefully underpowered.

WSJ: 2012 Focus Titanium Sedan: A Stab at a European Sport Sedan��From Ford | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil