1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 650 kg more than 2005 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Buick Riviera 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 1968 Buick Riviera. 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 448 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2005 Saturn ION has manual transmission. 2005 Saturn ION will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Buick | Saturn |
| Model | Riviera | ION |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2630 mm |
