1982 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Saturn ION

To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn ION (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1982 Ford Cortina. (60 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn ION weights approximately 250 kg more than 1982 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1982 Ford Cortina 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 1982 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Cortina.

Compare all specifications:

1982 Ford Cortina 2005 Saturn ION
Make Ford Saturn
Model Cortina ION
Year Released 1982 2005
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1294 cc 2189 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 60 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 5750 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 92 Nm 197 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 4400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 86.1 mm
Engine Stroke Size 63 mm 94 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Vehicle Weight 1000 kg 1250 kg
Vehicle Length 4350 mm 4710 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2590 mm 2630 mm