2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 291 kg more than 2006 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Saturn ION | |
Make | Pontiac | Saturn |
Model | Firebird | ION |
Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5698 cc | 2199 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 310 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 461 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 94 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1541 kg | 1250 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |