1998 Ford Focus vs. 2006 Ford Ranger

To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus would be higher. At 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Ranger (206 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 39 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2006 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 2006 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, 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 Ford Ranger (323 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2006 Ford Ranger has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Ranger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1998 Ford Focus 2006 Ford Ranger
Make Ford Ford
Model Focus Ranger
Year Released 1998 2006
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1796 cc 4016 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 129 HP 206 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5250 RPM
Torque 178 Nm 323 Nm
Torque RPM 3750 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 80.6 mm 100.4 mm
Engine Stroke Size 88 mm 84.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 9.7:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1169 kg 1208 kg
Vehicle Length 4440 mm 5150 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1880 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1780 mm
Wheelbase Size 2620 mm 3010 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 L 84 L