2005 Ford Ranger vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Ford Ranger is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ranger. (104 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 69 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ranger. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ranger | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1323 kg | 1392 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
