1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 130 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Saturn |
| Model | 156 | ION |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 49 L |
