2005 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Frontier would be higher. At 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Frontier (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 560 kg more than 2005 Nissan Frontier.
Because 2005 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Saturn ION. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Frontier 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, 2005 Nissan Frontier (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 2006 Saturn ION has automatic transmission and 2005 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2005 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Saturn ION will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan Frontier | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Nissan | Saturn |
| Model | Frontier | ION |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1946 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2630 mm |
