1973 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 605 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 1973 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Saturn ION | |
Make | Mercury | Saturn |
Model | Cougar | ION |
Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6589 cc | 2194 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 375 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1450 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2630 mm |