1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,523 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2006 Saturn ION.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. 2006 Saturn ION has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 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:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Saturn |
| Model | 250 | ION |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2523 cc | 2194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 49 L |
