2006 Ford Ranger vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 40 kg more than 2006 Ford Ranger. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ranger | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
