2005 Saturn ION vs. 2011 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2011 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 6 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 434 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 2011 Toyota Tacoma is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Saturn ION | 2011 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Saturn | Toyota |
| Model | ION | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3250 mm |
