2006 Ford Ranger vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Ranger (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 52 kg more than 2007 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Mazda 3, 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, 2006 Ford Ranger (367 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
