2003 Ford Ka vs. 2004 Saturn ION
To start off, 2004 Saturn ION is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Ka would be higher. At 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Saturn ION (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (73 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Saturn ION weights approximately 380 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2004 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Ka | ION |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
