1971 BMW 3 vs. 2004 Ford Econovan
To start off, 2004 Ford Econovan is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2004 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 84 kg more than 2004 Ford Econovan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Econovan. (138 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Econovan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2004 Ford Econovan | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Econovan |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2210 mm |
