2004 Saturn ION vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Saturn ION (141 HP) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (140 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 293 kg more 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn ION. (197 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Saturn ION | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | ION | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 140 HP |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1248 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
