2005 Saturn ION vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Saturn ION. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Saturn ION would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (178 HP) has 40 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 383 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 2008 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (371 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | ION | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 178 HP |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 62 L |
