2005 Ford Ranger vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2005 Ford Ranger is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ranger. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 318 kg more than 2005 Ford Ranger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ranger. (135 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ranger. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Ranger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ranger | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ranger | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1620 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
