2005 Saturn ION vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,327 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 205 kg more than 2005 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Saturn ION. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Saturn ION | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | ION | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
