1997 Dodge Copperhead vs. 1996 Ford Ranger
To start off, 1997 Dodge Copperhead is newer by 1 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 2,700 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Copperhead is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Copperhead (217 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Copperhead should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Ranger weights approximately 100 kg more than 1997 Dodge Copperhead.
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, 1997 Dodge Copperhead (255 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Copperhead will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Copperhead | 1996 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Copperhead | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2700 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2840 mm |
