1997 Porsche 911 vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche 911 (537 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 397 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 100 kg more than 1997 Porsche 911.
Because 1997 Porsche 911 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 1997 Porsche 911. 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, 1997 Porsche 911 (600 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 403 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Porsche 911 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Porsche | Saturn |
| Model | 911 | ION |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3164 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 537 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.4 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 95 L |
