2005 Saturn ION vs. 2000 Saturn L
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Saturn L would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn ION (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2000 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2000 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Saturn L weights approximately 138 kg more than 2005 Saturn ION.
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 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Saturn L. (193 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Saturn L.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Saturn ION | 2000 Saturn L | |
| Make | Saturn | Saturn |
| Model | ION | L |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 60 L |
