2006 Ford Ranger vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,614 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (108 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 88 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2006 Ford Ranger (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1478 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 61 L |
