1996 Ford Ranger vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 2,507 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Ranger weights approximately 9 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ranger | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Ranger | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
