1997 Ford Ranger vs. 1996 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 1997 Ford Ranger is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 2,507 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ranger weights approximately 50 kg more than 1996 Nissan Maxima.
Because 1997 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 1997 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Maxima, 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, 1997 Ford Ranger (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Maxima. (178 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ranger | 1996 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ranger | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
