2004 Ford Econovan vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Econovan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Econovan would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2004 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 94 kg more than 2004 Ford Econovan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Ford Econovan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3, 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Econovan. (138 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Econovan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Econovan | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Econovan | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| 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 | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2639 mm |
