2005 Ford Ranger vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ranger. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 237 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.
Because 2005 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 2005 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima, 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ranger. (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ranger | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ranger | Altima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1512 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
