1996 Porsche 993 vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche 993. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche 993 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche 993 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche 993 (282 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche 993 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 60 kg more than 1996 Porsche 993.
Because 1996 Porsche 993 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 1996 Porsche 993. 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, 1996 Porsche 993 (342 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Porsche 993 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 2006 Saturn ION has automatic transmission and 1996 Porsche 993 has manual transmission. 1996 Porsche 993 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Saturn ION will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Porsche 993 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Porsche | Saturn |
| Model | 993 | ION |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 342 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.4 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2630 mm |
