1999 BMW 323 vs. 2004 Ford Econovan
To start off, 2004 Ford Econovan is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2004 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 161 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Econovan. (138 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Econovan. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Econovan has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Econovan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2004 Ford Econovan | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 323 | Econovan |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2210 mm |
