Ford Freestar

Ford Freestar: Which Version Should You Buy?

The Ford Freestar offers two versions within its sole generation: 3.9 AT and 4.2 AT. Both were produced from 2003 to 2007 as Minivans, with Gasoline V-shaped six-cylinder engines, Automatic four-speed gearboxes and FWD. The choice mainly comes down to output and kerb weight. The 4.2 AT has 204 hp and 356 Nm, giving it 9 hp and 31 Nm more than the 3.9 AT, while also weighing 45 kg less.

The Ford Freestar offers two versions within its sole generation: 3.9 AT and 4.2 AT. Both were produced from 2003 to 2007 as Minivans, with Gasoline V-shaped six-cylinder engines, Automatic four-speed gearboxes and FWD. The choice mainly comes down to output and kerb weight. The 4.2 AT has 204 hp and 356 Nm, giving it 9 hp and 31 Nm more than the 3.9 AT, while also weighing 45 kg less. Based strictly on the available specifications, the 4.2 AT is the stronger choice for power-to-weight performance. The 3.9 AT, however, is the only version with a measured 0–100 km/h time: 9.7 seconds.

Ford Freestar generations and versions

There is one Ford Freestar generation in the supplied catalogue data. The 1 generation was produced from 2003 to 2007, used a Minivan body and included two versions: 3.9 AT and 4.2 AT.

Because both versions belong to the same generation and production period, there is no later generation to choose for a different body type, drivetrain or transmission. The decision is therefore an engine comparison rather than a comparison between generations. No restyling is identified in the supplied data.

Ford Freestar engine and specs comparison

Both engines are front-mounted and transverse, use Distributed injection (multi-point), have two valves per cylinder and have no boost. Their shared Automatic four-speed gearbox and FWD layout mean that the principal mechanical difference is engine displacement and output.

The 3.9 AT produces 195 hp from 3903 cc, equivalent to approximately 50.0 hp per litre. The 4.2 AT produces 204 hp from 4195 cc, or approximately 48.6 hp per litre. The smaller engine therefore develops about 1.4 hp per litre more, although the larger engine still has the higher total output.

Torque separates the versions more clearly. The 4.2 AT delivers 356 Nm, compared with 325 Nm for the 3.9 AT. That is a difference of 31 Nm. Peak power also arrives earlier in the 4.2 AT, at 4250 rpm rather than 4500 rpm, while its peak torque arrives later, at 3650 rpm instead of 3500 rpm.

The 3.9 AT has a compression ratio of 9.3 and a bore and stroke of 96.8 × 88.4. The 4.2 AT has a compression ratio of 9.4 and a bore and stroke of 96.8 × 95.

Ford Freestar performance and mpg

The 3.9 AT reaches 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds. The equivalent acceleration figure for the 4.2 AT is not measured, so its extra power and lower kerb weight should not be turned into an unsupported acceleration claim.

Both versions have the same measured top speed of 175 km/h. Therefore, the additional 9 hp and 31 Nm of the 4.2 AT do not buy a higher recorded top speed.

City, highway and combined fuel consumption are not measured for either version. Consequently, no evidence-based mpg comparison is possible. The same applies to CO₂ output and environmental class, which are not measured for both the 3.9 AT and 4.2 AT.

Ford Freestar dimensions, weight and tank capacity

The 4.2 AT weighs 1950 kg, making it 45 kg lighter than the 1995 kg 3.9 AT. Gross weight, ground clearance and wheel sizes are not measured for either version. Both have a 98-litre tank, so tank capacity does not distinguish them.

The weight-to-power figures strengthen the numerical case for the larger engine. The 3.9 AT carries approximately 10.23 kg per hp, while the 4.2 AT carries approximately 9.56 kg per hp. In another useful comparison, the 3.9 AT provides about 97.7 hp per tonne, whereas the 4.2 AT provides about 104.6 hp per tonne.

Both versions use Independent, spring front suspension and Semi-independent, springorts hélicoïdaux, sem rear suspension. Disc brakes are listed at the front and rear for each version.

Ford Freestar problems and reliability data

Problems and reliability results are not measured in the supplied data for either the 3.9 AT or 4.2 AT. It is therefore not possible to identify one engine as more reliable, estimate maintenance costs or recommend a version on the basis of known faults. Price data is also unavailable, so the comparison cannot determine how much extra money the 4.2 AT costs or calculate value per unit of additional performance.

Which Ford Freestar version should you choose?

Choose the 4.2 AT if your decision is based on the strongest specifications available. It adds 9 hp and 31 Nm over the 3.9 AT, yet its kerb weight is 45 kg lower. Its 9.56 kg-per-hp figure is also better than the 10.23 kg per hp of the 3.9 AT. Both versions retain the same 175 km/h top speed, 98-litre tank, Automatic four-speed gearbox and FWD.

Choose the 3.9 AT if having a documented acceleration result matters more than selecting the highest-output engine. Its measured 0–100 km/h time is 9.7 seconds, while that figure is not measured for the 4.2 AT. The 3.9 AT also has slightly higher specific output, at approximately 50.0 hp per litre versus 48.6 hp per litre, although its total power and torque are lower.

Overall, the 4.2 AT is the more compelling specification-led choice: it combines the larger 4195 cc engine with higher output and lower kerb weight. The 3.9 AT remains the choice supported by the more complete measured performance record. Fuel economy, reliability, ground clearance, wheel sizes and gross weight cannot separate them because those figures are not measured.