V8 (5.2) swapping a van

My dad had an 86, I had an 87. Both 318s. Didn't act the same as each other. His was a hog, for some reason my 87 was great on gas, and seemed to have more power than Dad's.
Both same 127" wheelbase, nether was a maxi. Shorty's were 109 wheelbase. I miss that van. Would like another someday.
The 318 sent those vans down the road plenty fine.