1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 88 kg more than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 Ford Gran Torino. 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 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 Ford Gran Torino | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Gran Torino | ION |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1946 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 49 L |
