2006 Ford Ranger vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (148 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2006 Ford Ranger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Ford Ranger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger will offer significantly more control. 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 (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
