2003 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 582 kg more than 2005 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 Mercury Grand Marquis. 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, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 2005 Saturn ION has manual transmission. 2005 Saturn ION will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2005 Saturn ION | |
Make | Mercury | Saturn |
Model | Grand Marquis | ION |
Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4604 cc | 2189 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 359 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1250 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |