2001 Ford Econovan vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Econovan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Econovan would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2001 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 239 kg more than 2001 Ford Econovan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Ford Econovan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Ford Econovan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Econovan. (138 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Econovan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Econovan | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Econovan | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1534 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2590 mm |
