1963 AC Cobra vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 361 kg more than 1963 AC Cobra.
Because 1963 AC Cobra 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 1963 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | AC | Saturn |
| Model | Cobra | ION |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 49 L |
