1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta would be higher. At 2,194 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 100 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. 2006 Saturn ION has automatic transmission and 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta has manual transmission. 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta 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:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Saturn |
| Model | Alfetta | ION |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 49 L |
