2004 Mazda 6 vs. 2011 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2011 Ford Ranger is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 6 (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2011 Ford Ranger. (143 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Ranger.
Because 2011 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 2011 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6, 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, 2011 Ford Ranger (209 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 6. (207 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 6 | 2011 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | 6 | Ranger |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 207 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5171 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3193 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 74 L |
