1997 Ford Ranger vs. 1979 Plymouth Volare
To start off, 1997 Ford Ranger is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Plymouth Volare would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Plymouth Volare is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Ranger (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Plymouth Volare. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1979 Plymouth Volare. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Plymouth Volare weights approximately 70 kg more than 1997 Ford Ranger.
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, 1979 Plymouth Volare (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Plymouth Volare will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ranger | 1979 Plymouth Volare | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Ranger | Volare |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 3687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
