2005 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 119 kg more than 2006 Saturn ION. 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, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm). This means 2005 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Saturn |
| Model | Malibu | ION |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 49 L |
