2004 Saturn ION vs. 2012 BMW X1
To start off, 2012 BMW X1 is newer by 8 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 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X1 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2004 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X1 should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X1 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2004 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X1 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Saturn ION. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X1 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, 2012 BMW X1 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn ION. 2012 BMW X1 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. 2012 BMW X1 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Saturn ION | 2012 BMW X1 | |
| Make | Saturn | BMW |
| Model | ION | X1 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2187 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4454 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1798 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1545 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2760 mm |
