2003 Ford Econovan vs. 2012 Ford Fusion
To start off, 2012 Ford Fusion is newer by 9 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Fusion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Fusion (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2003 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Fusion should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Fusion weights approximately 221 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, 2012 Ford Fusion, 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, 2012 Ford Fusion (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Econovan. (139 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Fusion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Econovan. 2012 Ford Fusion 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. 2012 Ford Fusion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Econovan | 2012 Ford Fusion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Econovan | Fusion |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 139 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2728 mm |
