Ranger/S10 ?

I love a ford truck but I must say, I'd rather have a Z71. Last year this time I had a 99 extended cab Z71 and that thing was sweet as hell. It would go all over the beach, much easier than that POS Dodge I had before it. I know nothing on the small trucks except that I got a deal on a little 4 banger sonoma. Like I said, I love a ford truck (full size), but I'd put a Z71 up against one any day as far as the beach is concerned. I would think the snow and ice would be much the same as the sand but I really don't have any experience in that area.