2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Saturn ION

To start off, 2004 Saturn ION is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 2004 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 230 kg more than 2004 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2003 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 2003 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn ION.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Ford Mustang 2004 Saturn ION
Make Ford Saturn
Model Mustang ION
Year Released 2003 2004
Body Type Convertible Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4599 cc 2187 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 400 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 5750 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 556 Nm 197 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 4400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 90.2 mm 86 mm
Engine Stroke Size 90 mm 94 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 4 seats
Vehicle Weight 1480 kg 1250 kg
Vehicle Length 4660 mm 4710 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1360 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2630 mm


 

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