1997 Ford Ranger vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 232 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.
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, 2012 Ford Mustang (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ranger | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1627 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
