2006 Saturn ION vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 175 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Granada 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 1981 Ford Granada. 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, 2006 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Saturn | Ford |
| Model | ION | Granada |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2780 mm |
