2003 Ford Econovan vs. 2006 Honda Pilot
To start off, 2006 Honda Pilot is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Econovan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Econovan would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Pilot (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2003 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Pilot weights approximately 291 kg more than 2003 Ford Econovan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Ford Econovan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Pilot, 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, 2006 Honda Pilot (328 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Econovan. (139 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Econovan. 2006 Honda Pilot has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Econovan has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Econovan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Pilot will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Econovan | 2006 Honda Pilot | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Econovan | Pilot |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Van | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 3474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 139 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2710 mm |
