1981 Bitter SC vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Bitter SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Bitter SC would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Bitter SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Bitter SC (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 61 kg more than 1981 Bitter SC.
Because 1981 Bitter SC 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 1981 Bitter SC. 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, 1981 Bitter SC (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Bitter SC | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Bitter | Saturn |
| Model | SC | ION |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 49 L |
