2006 Ford Ranger vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (86 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 1692 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.6:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
