1996 Ford Ranger vs. 2002 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2002 Smart ForFour 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, 1996 Ford Ranger (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Ranger weights approximately 429 kg more than 2002 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Smart ForFour, 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, 1996 Ford Ranger (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ranger | 2002 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Ranger | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
