1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 305 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 1976 Ford Taunus. 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 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 2006 Saturn ION has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Taunus 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:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Taunus | ION |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 49 L |
