1998 Ford Laser 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 Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (108 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 570 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser.
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 Laser, 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 (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (168 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 2006 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Laser | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2990 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
