1971 Mercury Comet vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 726 kg more than 1971 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Mercury Comet 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 1971 Mercury Comet. 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Comet. (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Mercury Comet | 2006 Saturn ION | |
Make | Mercury | Saturn |
Model | Comet | ION |
Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2782 cc | 2196 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 81 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 175 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1946 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |