2007 Ford Ranger vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 2007 Ford Ranger is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ford Ranger (108 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford Ranger weights approximately 1030 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Ballade, 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 Ford Ranger (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade. 1981 Honda Ballade has automatic transmission and 2007 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2007 Ford Ranger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Honda Ballade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Ford Ranger | 1981 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Ranger | Ballade |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2330 mm |
