2006 Ford Ranger vs. 1989 Mazda 626
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Ranger (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 124 kg more than 1989 Mazda 626. 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, 1989 Mazda 626, 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 (367 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 626. (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 1989 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | 626 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2580 mm |
