2006 Ford Ranger vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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 MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (149 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 1709 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2006 Ford Ranger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 48 L |
