1981 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 911 (232 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 190 kg more than 1981 Porsche 911.
Because 1981 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. 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 Porsche 911 (284 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 911 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Porsche | Saturn |
| Model | 911 | ION |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3164 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 49 L |
