1996 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2009 Ford Ranger is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Ranger (143 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 204 kg more than 2009 Ford Ranger.
Because 2009 Ford Ranger 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 2009 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort, 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, 2009 Ford Ranger (209 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2009 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1690 mm |
