1997 Ford Ranger vs. 2006 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2006 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 3,538 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota RAV4 (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ranger weights approximately 210 kg more than 2006 Toyota RAV4.
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, 2006 Toyota RAV4, 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, 2006 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ranger | 2006 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Ranger | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 3538 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
