2001 Ford Econovan vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 8 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Ford Econovan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2001 Ford Econovan. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Econovan weights approximately 25 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Econovan. (155 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Econovan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Econovan | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Econovan | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2710 mm |
