2004 Saturn ION vs. 2008 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2008 Saturn Aura is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Saturn ION. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Saturn ION would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Saturn Aura is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Saturn Aura (219 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2004 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Aura should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn ION.
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, 2008 Saturn Aura (297 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Saturn Aura will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn ION. 2008 Saturn Aura has automatic transmission and 2004 Saturn ION has manual transmission. 2004 Saturn ION will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Saturn Aura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Saturn ION | 2008 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Saturn | Saturn |
| Model | ION | Aura |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2187 cc | 3474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 99.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
