1963 Honda S500 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 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Honda S500 would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1963 Honda S500. (43 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1963 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 724 kg more than 1963 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Honda S500 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 Honda S500. 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, 2006 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Honda S500. (45 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Honda S500 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Honda | Saturn |
| Model | S500 | ION |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 531 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 49 L |
