2006 Ford Ranger vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 353. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 353 would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Ranger (104 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 1896 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, 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 Ford Ranger (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 353.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Ranger | 353 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 43 L |
