2000 Mazda Protege vs. 2002 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2002 Ford Ranger is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mazda Protege. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mazda Protege would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Ranger (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2000 Mazda Protege. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda Protege. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda Protege weights approximately 65 kg more than 2002 Ford Ranger.
Because 2002 Ford Ranger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Mazda Protege. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Ranger will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Ford Ranger (207 Nm) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda Protege. (164 Nm). This means 2002 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda Protege.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mazda Protege | 2002 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | Protege | Ranger |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3010 mm |
