What van has the best CD? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

alohaspirit · 02-23-2009, 01:49 PM

I plan to do a little travelling and am looking at vans
(1996-2004 model seem to be in my price range)
Ive been thinking about either an astro or a previa

What van has the best CD?

MetroMPG · 02-23-2009, 02:00 PM

Remember, it's not just Cd that counts. Cd times A (A=frontal area) is the thing if you want to compare apples to apples.

The GM likely has higher A than the Toyota. So all else being equal (which it's not - the Previa has a 4-cyl and is lighter) ... but just hypothetically, even with the same Cd, the Toyota would have less drag because of its smaller A.

Unforgiven · 02-23-2009, 05:12 PM

The Previa has the slightly more slippery shape, however, the reliability of those Previas was horrible. If Dodge/Chrysler minivan is not an option for you, then the rear wheel drive GM mini is the way to go... just dont expect the ride to be as nice or the fuel economy to be as good.

alohaspirit · 02-23-2009, 06:16 PM

Im not set in getting an astro/previa

ive just done more research in the mpg of those two

aerohead · 02-23-2009, 07:55 PM

Aloha,will you be driving on one of the islands? Mahalo!

alohaspirit · 02-23-2009, 08:43 PM

Probably not. I would be in mainland US

Sean T. · 02-23-2009, 08:57 PM

I would suggest the Dodge Caravan/ Plymouth Voyager/ Chrysler Town & Country. That's what comes to mind as the the most aero-looking to me.

In fact, the Town and Country might even be better than the other two since it has an almost solid grille. (tight waterfall pattern)

Although, I'm not sure how these would match up to the Previa, I have seen very very few in my life, and I keep an eye out for them since they are one of my favorites... It might be hard to find a Previa.

alohaspirit · 02-24-2009, 12:00 AM

Thanks Sean

I have been thinking about those as well.
Ive driven them before and theyre nice.

(btw, ive been following your taurus too, great stuff)

alohaspirit · 02-28-2009, 02:21 AM

can anyone post a few van cds?

FastPlastic · 02-28-2009, 03:28 AM

1996 Dodge Caravan Base Minivan
Coefficient of drag: 0.35

1996 CHEVROLET ASTR0 VAN LT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Coefficient of drag 0.40

1996 Toyota Previa DX Minivan
Coefficient of drag: 0.33

Looks like the Previa wins cd wise.