2005 Ford Ranger vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 2005 Ford Ranger is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ranger. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Ranger weights approximately 2 kg more than 1981 BMW M1.
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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ranger. (135 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ranger | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Ranger | M1 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1300 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 116 L |
