1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn ION (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn ION weights approximately 305 kg more than 1973 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Ford Cortina 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 1973 Ford Cortina. 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, 2005 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Cortina | ION |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
