1997 Ford Ranger vs. 2009 Kia Carnival
To start off, 2009 Kia Carnival is newer by 12 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 2,902 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Carnival is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Carnival (142 HP @ 8800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Carnival should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Carnival weights approximately 825 kg more than 1997 Ford Ranger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Kia Carnival, 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, 2009 Kia Carnival (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Carnival will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ranger | 2009 Kia Carnival | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Ranger | Carnival |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 2902 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8800 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2910 mm |
