2004 Saturn ION vs. 2012 Lexus LS
To start off, 2012 Lexus LS 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus LS (438 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 2004 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus LS weights approximately 1110 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 Lexus LS 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 Lexus LS 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 Lexus LS (521 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Saturn ION | 2012 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Saturn | Lexus |
| Model | ION | LS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2187 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 438 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 521 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3091 mm |
