1978 BMW 520 vs. 2002 Ford Econovan
To start off, 2002 Ford Econovan is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2002 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 375 kg more than 2002 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Econovan. (138 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Econovan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2002 Ford Econovan | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Econovan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2210 mm |
