2003 Honda Life vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Life would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn ION (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2003 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn ION weights approximately 460 kg more than 2003 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Saturn ION. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Life. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Life | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Honda | Saturn |
| Model | Life | ION |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2630 mm |
