1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1997 Ford Ranger
To start off, 1997 Ford Ranger is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ranger weights approximately 140 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1997 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z3 | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2840 mm |
