2004 Ford Econovan vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 8 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 2004 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 359 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.
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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Econovan. (138 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Econovan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Econovan | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Econovan | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2761 mm |
