1968 Ford Ranchero vs. 1983 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1983 Ford Meteor is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Ranchero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Ranchero would be higher. At 7,022 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Ford Ranchero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Ranchero (355 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1983 Ford Meteor. (72 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Ranchero should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Meteor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Ranchero weights approximately 680 kg more than 1983 Ford Meteor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford Ranchero 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 1968 Ford Ranchero. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Meteor, 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, 1968 Ford Ranchero (651 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 541 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Meteor. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Ranchero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Ranchero | 1983 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ranchero | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7022 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2370 mm |
