2006 Ford Ranger vs. 2003 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Ranger (206 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2003 Nissan Xterra. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan Xterra.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2006 Ford Ranger (324 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Xterra. 2003 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Ranger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 2003 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ranger | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4016 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 206 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2660 mm |
