1981 Dodge Mirada 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 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 246 kg more than 1981 Dodge Mirada.
Because 1981 Dodge Mirada 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 Dodge Mirada. 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 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Dodge Mirada | 2006 Saturn ION | |
Make | Dodge | Saturn |
Model | Mirada | ION |
Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2196 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 145 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 343 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 99.4 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 94 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1946 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2630 mm |