2005 Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,614 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 60 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2005 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Mazda | Saturn |
| Model | RX-8 | ION |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 49 L |
