Are Mini-Vans really mini anymore?

[Klutch9]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Twas a D50! Thanks for that. I remember it was a balance shaft motor and was very smooth for a big 4 banger. Decent power in its day.


Not to thread jack or change the OP's topic, but you mentioned big 4-bangers. What is the biggest displacement mass-production 4-cylinder that comes to your mind? Just going off the top of my head, the biggest I've seen is the 2.7L made by Toyota.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Porsche had a 3.0 liter one if I remember correctly.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Klutch9

Not to thread jack or change the OP's topic, but you mentioned big 4-bangers. What is the biggest displacement mass-production 4-cylinder that comes to your mind?


3.7L 4cyl Mercruiser I/O boat engine.

Joel

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: Klutch9
...

Not to thread jack or change the OP's topic, but you mentioned big 4-bangers. What is the biggest displacement mass-production 4-cylinder that comes to your mind? Just going off the top of my head, the biggest I've seen is the 2.7L made by Toyota.


There were lots of big 4 cylinders in the early 20th century. The 20hp Model T displaced something like 2.9 liters (177 cu in)

As far as modern era big 4 cylinders in automobiles? Porsche 968 displaces 3 liters. Chevrolet Colorado is 2.9 liters and Jeep Liberty had a VM Motori 2.8 Diesel for awhile.

I think some of the larger Mitsubishi and Isuzu SUVs sold overseas have REALLY big 4 cyl diesels. Like 3.2 or 3.5 liter 4 cylinders. Can't sell them in the US but they are out there.

I think the cab-over Isuzu bobtail trucks have a 5.3 liter 4 cylinder. I remember seeing the badge and thinking it would be a GM gas V8, but it was a BIG 4 cylinder.

 

[armos]

I grew up with full size vans. I learned to drive on one and still like them. It's a shame they're practically extinct now.
It still seems to me like the larger SUVs were/are basically the same size externally, more expensive, and noticeably less roomy inside than a van. I don't quite understand the appeal, other than the cultural belief that SUVs are more "sporty".

I haven't noticed that minivans are getting bigger, but maybe they are. The recent model Sienna and Caravans I've seen didn't seem overly large. What I found odd about them was the shift handle - up on the dashboard like a school bus. I guess that's normal now?
If I was buying a minivan, I'd want a rear drive like the Astro. I have no idea what they're selling nowadays anymore.


If it wasn't for CAFE, I believe we'd still have full size station wagons and fewer truck-based family vehicles. Regulations have unintended consequences.