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Ford Ranger: 2.3L I-4 vs. 3.0L V-6
I'm going to be buying a Lower-end compact pickup truck in the next little while and i've narrowed it down to the ford ranger. The truck will be used for hauling light loads about once a month and towing a 1000lb. tent-trailer in the summer. Right now i'm debating whether i should get the I-4 or the V-6. What are you're opinions?
P.S. I don't like visiting gas pumps.
P.S. I don't like visiting gas pumps.
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Comments
I would say you check the differences where the I-4 is available. I believe it's available on the regular cab version, and not the extended cabs if I remember correct. And 2WD versions being they are lighter.
Ford's new 2.3L I-4 (Mazda designed) is a very sophisticated engine. I say you should test drive one and notice the refinement and sophisication of it is light years ahead that what you will feel in the 3.0L Vulcan V-6. Not that the 3.0L V6 is a bad engine, it's just doesn't do anything special given it's displacement. The engine will soon be retired by Ford being it's just pointless to keep it around, when there's other, and better refined engines that can take it's place.
The I-4's performance is much improved over the old 2.5L. You will notice the HP and TQ ratings are close to that of the V6, and considering the engine weighs much less, performance wise it'll feel almost the same. That 2.3L I4 can be tweaked numerous ways, to create HP and TQ, that can surpass that of the Vulcan 3.0L. IN the Mazda application it does 160 and 155TQ. Favored more for a car, Whereas in the Ranger, it favors torque over HP. Actually this engine can be altered to make much more powered, but Ford didn't want to place it TOO close, to that of the 3.0L, even though it's somewhat close.
Fuel estimates for the I-4 are quite good, and I believe has the best numbers for any compact pick-up with an I-4. Just check the configuration that suits you best, and if it's available with the I-4, test drive and see if it fits your needs best.
What year did the I4 engine from Mazda becom available. For what I need in a truck , this sounds like the right option. I'll take gas milege over torque for my requirements.
my impression from 4 cyl engines are: if made in Japan they're very impressive; if made in the US by a US designe, they suck big time.
thanks
Technically speaking, it's one amazing engine, in what it's able to acheive. It's NHV levels are comparable if not, bests that of the Accord/Camry's I-4s.
NOTE: This is not in ANY relation to the dreaded 2.3L from the 80's that Ford used, so do not mistake it for that fiasco of an engine.
Also, if you can't get much of a deal with a Ranger (I'm sure you will), you can try the Mazda B-series truck. Same thing, expect with Mazda, you have limited packages and configurations. They do have a longer warranty if that's a plus for you.
from edmunds editorial review, it looks like the new I4 was introduced in 2002. Interestingly enough, Edmunds really has nothing to say about it as far as praise goes.
You can try some other online publications, and maybe they have information on it.
This is the link to Fords Media site, on an article discussing the new 2.3L engine.
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=13626
Ron
My first tank of gas registerred 20mpg, which is a pleasant surprise. for this price, I love the truck.
My question is, how come it will cost more to install it ($1700+) after you buy the truck than buying a truck with A/C option ($620)?
Someone help, I know I got my Ranger cheap without it, but it's hot here in California?
at what milage the timing belt should be changed?
belt or chain?
is this an opposed engine: eg. if the belt breaks does it do damamge or not?
this truck is totally cherry. i couldn't pass it up. like new.
thx
midnight_stang "Ford Ranger Problems" Aug 25, 2003 5:41pm