2004 Ford Ranger vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ranger. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Ranger weights approximately 92 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 2004 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 2004 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 2004 Ford Ranger (251 Nm) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ranger | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2259 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1642 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 55 L |
