2006 Ford Ranger vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (108 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 405 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
