1998 De Tomaso Guara vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 De Tomaso Guara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 De Tomaso Guara would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 De Tomaso Guara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 De Tomaso Guara (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 De Tomaso Guara should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn ION weights approximately 75 kg more than 1998 De Tomaso Guara.
Because 1998 De Tomaso Guara 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 1998 De Tomaso Guara. 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, 1998 De Tomaso Guara (402 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 De Tomaso Guara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 De Tomaso Guara | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Saturn |
| Model | Guara | ION |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
