2008 Ford Ranger vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 2,970 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Ranger (148 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 447 kg more than 2008 Ford Ranger.
Because 2008 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 2008 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3, 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 Ford Ranger (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ranger | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2970 cc | 1998 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
