2004 BMW 318 vs. 2007 Saturn ION
To start off, 2007 Saturn ION is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Saturn ION (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 251 kg more than 2007 Saturn ION.
Because 2004 BMW 318 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Saturn ION (203 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2007 Saturn ION | |
| Make | BMW | Saturn |
| Model | 318 | ION |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 49 L |
