2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1996 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 2,507 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Ranger weights approximately 317 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1996 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cobalt | Ranger |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
