1989 Ford RS 200 vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn ION weights approximately 68 kg more than 1989 Ford RS 200.
Because 1989 Ford RS 200 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 1989 Ford RS 200. 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, 1989 Ford RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1989 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford RS 200 | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | RS 200 | ION |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
