1997 Ford Ranger vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1997 Ford Ranger is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ranger weights approximately 5 kg more than 1996 Ford Mustang.
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, 1996 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ranger | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ranger | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
