2005 Saturn ION vs. 2004 Saturn L
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Saturn L would be higher. Both 2005 Saturn ION and 2004 Saturn L are equipped with a 2,196 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn ION (140 HP) has 5 more horse power than 2004 Saturn L. (135 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Saturn L weights approximately 76 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, 2004 Saturn L (199 Nm) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm). This means 2004 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Saturn ION | 2004 Saturn L | |
| Make | Saturn | Saturn |
| Model | ION | L |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 135 HP |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 62 L |
