1972 BMW 3 vs. 2001 Ford Econovan
To start off, 2001 Ford Econovan is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2001 Ford Econovan. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Econovan weights approximately 71 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Econovan. (155 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Econovan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2001 Ford Econovan | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Econovan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2210 mm |
