2.3 vs 3.0

[Dillbob3124]

Sorry to beat this question to death but I couldn't find an applicable answer to my question.

I am interested in getting a 2005 Ranger Regular Cab manual and can't make up my mind on the 2.3 or the 3.0.

Gas mileage is a factor to me because gas is $4.50 a gallon in San Diego right now. I would like to do some light off roading and maybe take it out to the desert (Ocotillo Wells). When it is raining out I like to find an empty parking lot and learn car control and I am wondering if the 2.3 has enough power to slide around in the rain and mess around in the desert. Is the 3.0 worth sacrificing mpg's for more torque.

Thanks in advance and sorry for asking the 2.3 vs 3.0 question again.

 

[cody93]

my old 2.3 has been known to powerslide in walmarts parking lot late at night after work when its raining.... the duratec 2.3s have a little more HP than the old limas i believe.

 

[machine090767]

get the 2.3
the 3.0 will get worse gas mileage and isn't really all that much more powerful.

 

[ronclark]

get the 2.3
the 3.0 will get worse gas mileage and isn't really all that much more powerful.

I have to say +1 on that one.

I have driven the old 2.5,2.3,2.8,2.9,3.0 and 4.0.
For what is worth i would never get a 3.0, might be reliable but not much better on gas than a 4.0.
My old 2.9 could run circles around the 3.0's i have driven

 

[JohnnyO]

get the 2.3
the 3.0 will get worse gas mileage and isn't really all that much more powerful.

My first Ranger was a 3.0 5-speed. It was pretty good on gas for a 4x4 but slow as molasses. Unless you're going to tow a trailer I wouldn't consider getting a 4x2 with a V6. For light off-roading just get decent tires and a Powertrax No-Slip for the 7.5" rear and it'll be good and save a mess of gas money over a V6 or 4x4.

 

[dangerranger83]

My dad has a 3.0 auto and my old 2.8 could run circles around it all day.

Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Dillbob3124]

Thanks for the responses guys. I look forward to getting my first Ranger

 

[nb11]

2.3. I have it. I've beat on it, put nearly 100,000 miles on it (165,000 total now), and I'd recommend it.

 

[Rose2300]

yup i just sold my 02 2.3 and it had plenty of power to get sideways on dry pavement. just dont be afraid to redline the shit out of it