1973 Mercury Montego 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 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Montego (169 HP) has 29 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (140 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 547 kg more than 2005 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercury Montego 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 Montego. 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, 1973 Mercury Montego (403 Nm) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Mercury | Saturn |
| Model | Montego | ION |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 140 HP |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1791 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 49 L |
