1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport vs. 2009 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2009 Ford Ranger is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport would be higher. At 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Ranger (207 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport weights approximately 730 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, 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport, 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 (323 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Ranger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport | 2009 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Trans Sport | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1022 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 3200 mm |
