1972 Buick Skylark vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,722 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Skylark weights approximately 155 kg more than 2006 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Buick Skylark 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 1972 Buick Skylark. 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, 1972 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 2006 Saturn ION has automatic transmission and 1972 Buick Skylark has manual transmission. 1972 Buick Skylark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Saturn ION will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Skylark | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Buick | Saturn |
| Model | Skylark | ION |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5722 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 49 L |
