Europe vs USA

Europe with the United States is different geographic, political, history or even culture. The approach to freedom, the right to the gun and of course - motorization is completely different too! While Europe adopts further regulations on exhaust emissions, the US is developing the market for large gasoline engines. While Europe calls utility vehicles with vans, the US uses the term "trucks".

While Europe from the 1960s was dominated by the Transit Fords, in the United States the Ford E-Series (Ecoline) reigned to compete with the Chevrolet Corvair van. Transit in Europe was developing very fast, dominating new markets. In 2014, Ford in the United States gave official information about the replacement of Ford E (also called the Club Wagon) - Ford Transit, which has its roots in Europe. It was an interesting move, because Ecoline for 35 years was the most sold model in the segment of "full-size van" in the US. However, the improvement of vehicles by other concerns forced Ford to move towards a great European tradition. The first official information on the differences in these vehicles was interesting. Ford Transit with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine was 42% more economical than the last Ecoline model. This was indicated by the efficiency of the engine as well as fuel economy tests. In addition, the largest Transit had a 75% more load area than the largest Ford Ecoline. There was also no difference in the external appearance - the Ford E series referred to older, angular models. In turn, Ford Transit is already reaching out to modern design and a more aerodynamic shape.

However, despite the fact that both vehicles produce and sell vehicles under the same name, they have some differences. We will try to present them on the models from the 2017/2018 year.

Ford Transit in USA

The year 2018 in the USA is sold in four variants - Transit 150, Transit 250, Transit 350, Transit 350 Heavy-Duty. Of course, these variants appear in various variations and versions - low-floor, with three different heights, ceiling, with a different number of seats (from 8 to 15) etc.

The Transit cargo van from 2018 is available with three different engines: the traditional 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 engine with 275 horsepower (with a torque of 352.63 Nm), as well as the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine achieving the best torque in its class, at the level of 542 Nm (and power about 310 hp). The third option is a five-cylinder diesel engine with direct injection 3.2L I-5 Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel with 185 horsepower. These units are much larger and more powerful than the motors used on the European market. This is due to emission standards (including Euro 6) but also to the automotive culture of the continent. Even before the introduction of regulations and restrictions, engines with lower power were used. For comparison, it is worth mentioning the engines that were used in the last Ecoline line. The basic model was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine with 225 hp. It was also possible to upgrade to a 5.4-liter V8 unit with a power of 255 hp.

Regardless of the selected version, the American Transit has a 6-speed Automatic SelectShift transmission. From 2018, subsequent versions of the American Transit (not only for transporting people) will be equipped with steps for getting on. This is a small change but you can see a clear trend that was born in the bus versions and also goes on delivery vehicles. The last difference is the use of the "Battery Guard" technology. This is software that takes care of the battery's charge level. You can set different modes of using energy when the engine is not on. This technology does not exist in European models, but these have a number of innovations in the field of safety and control.

FORD TRANSIT IN EUROPE

Legal regulations forced manufacturers to make numerous changes to reduce toxins and exhaust fumes. This applies to both drive units and technologies used - Smart Regenerative Charging, Acceleration Control and Auto-Start-Stop. But let's start with the heart, that is the engine.

The new 2.0 EcoBlue turbodiesel (hyperlink) replaced the 2.2 TDCi Duratorq unit. It is currently available in three different variants: 105, 130 and 170 hp. The average fuel consumption when using this type of units is 6.7L per 100 km. You can see here a clear difference from the units on the American market - both in terms of cylinder volume, ecology, driving economy, or even power. However, for Duratorq engines, EcoBlue provides more power, more torque and lower fuel consumption. Motor engine enthusiasts will have to get away with the taste (or bring a vehicle from the US). The engine is supplemented by a 6-speed SelectShift transmission - the same as in American models.
The external appearance on both markets has been unified. At the front of the vehicle there is a characteristic grill. In turn, the issues of mirrors, steps, additional lights, or types of doors depend on the individual expectations of the buyer. Ford Transit is one van with an unlimited number of options. However, these modifications are very similar in both markets, if not identical.

As a curiosity, it is worth mentioning that the European model is equipped, as standard, with the Easy-Fuel refueling system without a traditional fuel cork. Interestingly, this solution is not yet in the US.

Thanks to the use of Smart Regenerative Charging technology, the battery is only charged when it is needed. This eliminates the possibility of reloading a charged battery and unnecessary fuel loss. The Auto-Start-Stop function allows you to reduce fuel consumption in the city. When stopping at traffic lights, the vehicle goes into neutral. This technology can automatically turn off the engine, while powering lights, radio, and air conditioning. To move, just press the clutch and the system will start again from the beginning. Another convenience is the Acceleration Control technology. The vehicle analyzes the driving style as well as weather outside to adjust the brake pressure or power transmitted to the wheels, respectively. All these technologies are designed to increase the efficiency of fuel economy and indirect, positive impact on the natural environment. They include the entire spectrum of security technologies, which is dedicated to a separate blog post.

EUROPEAN OR AMERICAN FORD TRANSIT - WHAT YOU CHOOSE?

Automotive trends and tendencies (enforced by legal norms) go in a completely different direction. Europe focuses on ecology, the development of hybrid units, while Americans remain faithful to the tradition of large combustion engines. Each solution has its pros and cons. One is more about saving and ecology, and another about the roar and power of the engine. What circle do you belong to? We invite you to take part in a facebook poll! The choice is simple. The choice is yours!