2006 Ford Ranger vs. 2007 Mazda 5
To start off, 2007 Mazda 5 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, 2007 Mazda 5 (154 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (86 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger.
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 5, 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, 2007 Mazda 5 (201 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger. 2007 Mazda 5 has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Ranger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 2007 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | 5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.6:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
