2004 Saturn L vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Saturn L would be higher. Both 2004 Saturn L and 2006 Saturn ION are equipped with a 2,196 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2004 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 130 kg more than 2004 Saturn L. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Saturn L (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Saturn L | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Saturn | Saturn |
| Model | L | ION |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 49 L |
