Originally posted by qaz:
Keep in mind that peak torque is when the cylinders are most efficiently being filled with air (aka volumetric efficiency). There's a limit to how much torque you can get out of a certain displacement engine without help from forced induction. Getting it at lower RPMs is even more of an engineering challenge.
The Mazda MVP (minivan) has the 2.5L Duratec in it, I read a review of it where the reviewer said it was slow. This may have had something to do with his other comment that the automatic transmission was shifting at 4700RPM with the pedal to the floor. I think we all know that's not quite an optimum shift point for the Duratec!
Brian
As an owner of an MPV we compared it to the Windstall and Caravan. The DC is a very refined van, as DC has had time to work out the creature comforts. Of course, they've also had part of two decades now to work out the Automatic 4 speed automatic, but yet it seems to still grenade itself at 60-75K intervals.
The Windstall seemed like driving a tractor compared to the DC vans, and the reliability history of Ford's engines and transmissions for this platform may rival DC for the cellar. The DC engines seem reasonably reliable.
The MPV is the dog when drag racing. However, 90% of the time, our MPV has two or three people in it, and very little gear. It handles better than the other two (as well as the Odyssey we test drove and were underwealmed by) and is fine around town as well as highway driving.
I think those who simply compared 0-60 times in minivans were really missing the mark for who and how they are used. We've had ours for 2 years and about 21K miles, without drama. The only recall we've had was a sticker for the door and the owners manual correcting errors about the tire load range required.
I wouldn't tow a trailer with this, but then if I were buying a van to tow with frequently, it would be a full sized RWD van with a V8.
The 2002 MPV with the 3L Duratec and Jatco 5speed ATX is a great minivan choice for those who only need a 7/8ths sized "minivan"
Finally, if it proves reliable, the new Kia minivan may be the value leader, at about 23K fully loaded, you get a lot of van for the money. The question is will the company behind the 10year/100K warranty still be in business before you get done making all of your payments.
FWIW,
TB
