2001 Ford Econovan vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2001 Ford Econovan. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Econovan.
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, 2009 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (249 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Econovan. (155 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Econovan. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford Econovan has manual transmission. 2001 Ford Econovan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Econovan | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Econovan | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Van | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2610 mm |
