2006 Ford Ranger vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (86 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 1566 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ranger | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
