2008 Ford Ranger vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Ford Ranger is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,970 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ranger. (148 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ranger.
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 Ford Ranger (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ranger | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2970 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 50 L |
