1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 127 kg more than 2006 Saturn ION.
Because 1982 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird. 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Thunderbird | ION |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 49 L |
