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 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (104 HP @ 5000 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. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 1531 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger. 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 2184 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
