1981 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Ford Econovan
To start off, 2003 Ford Econovan is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Econovan weights approximately 75 kg more than 1981 BMW 520.
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, 1981 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Econovan. (139 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Econovan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2003 Ford Econovan | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Econovan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2210 mm |
