When somebody mentions a van you don't typically associate speed with it. They're normally slow, loud and uncomfortable but that's the point of them, they're designed for moving heavy goods. But not all of them...
Back in 2015 when Ford released the 150 XLT, some genius decided to offer it with a 3.7-litre V6 engine that produces 275bhp. Unfortunately for us Brits we can't have one as they're for North America only - bugger! Despite it being a van it can get from 0-60mph in just 7.6 seconds which is ludicrous for what it is.
So what can this van outrun to 60mph? Lets have a look.
Ford Focus ST diesel
No STD jokes, please.
The diesel version of the popular Focus ST comes in the form of a 2.0-litre, 4 cylinder engine producing 180bhp. The manufacturer's claimed 0-60mph time of 8.1 seconds means this plucky diesel is half of a second slower than the Transit.
Mazda MX-5
The nation's favourite sports car falls short of the Transit's mighty power. The Mk1 and Mk2 can't compete in a 0-60 dash and the Mk3 can only match it. Even the new Mk4 can only just beat it by 0.3 of a second. Try that one for size.
Land Rover Discovery
Another nation's favourite is the Land Rover brand. Offering a few models like the Discovery, it's third in line to be victim to the Transit. Available with a few engines, even the 4.4-litre V8 is a whole second slower to 60.
BMW 320d Touring (E91)
BMW's 3-Series has always been popular due to the build quality and how reliable it is. Being a BMW the interior is a pleasant place to be for doing many, many motorway miles.
With an 184bhp diesel being offered, the 0-60 time is only 7.6 seconds meaning that it will be a dead heat in a drag race. No doubt the 3-Series will be more comfortable while doing so but I can imagine a shocked driver as he fails to lose a van.
Volkswagen Lupo GTi
Even superminis aren't impervious to the mighty Transit. The little Lupo isn't exactly a slouch but with a 0-60mph time of 8.2 seconds, it's more than half a second slower.
So in summary, the Transit can take on all different kinds of cars. Hatchback, saloon, SUV - it doesn't matter. Hats off to Ford.
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Comments (11)
Vans with large powerful engines are dead common in the U.S. Most are v8 powered.
Yeah but how many do a sub 10 second 0-60?
I wouldn't know but a Ford Econoline with a triton 5.4 liter V8 would most likely smoke past that barrier. Econoline was the line of Vans made for North America up until recently when Ford decided to discontinue it in favor of the globally made...
Read moreI've seen this before back in 1980 at the Reading festival. Transit diesel,with the bigger radiatorgrill, was fitted with a 3.0 liter V6 Capri engine. The van looked like shit but it burned rubber.
My 170bhp 2.0 tdci tranny does about the same and the mpg is WAYYYYYYYYYY better.
As an American this title confused me. So does the article. I guess y'all got slow vans!
Sorry brits, I drive my TT V6 Transit everyday at work. That governor at 96mph is really annoying.