1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2007 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2007 Ford Ranger is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ford Ranger (206 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford Ranger weights approximately 630 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Ford Ranger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Ford Ranger will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Ford Ranger (323 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2007 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 206 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 100.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3010 mm |
