1981 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 265 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2006 Saturn ION | |
Make | Ford | Saturn |
Model | Mustang | ION |
Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2196 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1450 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2630 mm |