Is there any difference between Mk4 Escort Van FRONT shock absorbers and Mk4 Escort (car) FRONT shock absorbers. They look physically the same (from memory, mind) but are they longer or shorter, softer or stiffer etc....

i.e. My mate has some BNIB sachs shock absorbers for a mk4 escy van. And I want em as replacements for the onion - will it work and is this a good or bad idea...?

Any info mucho appreciated.