2005 Ford Ranger vs. 1973 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 2005 Ford Ranger is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda RX-4 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1973 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mazda RX-4 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ranger. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Ranger weights approximately 165 kg more than 1973 Mazda RX-4.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Ford Ranger (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda RX-4. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ranger | 1973 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1110 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
