1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn ION (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn ION weights approximately 8 kg more than 1956 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Zodiac is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Zodiac | ION |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2630 mm |
