2005 Saturn ION vs. 2012 Lexus GX
To start off, 2012 Lexus GX is newer by 7 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus GX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus GX (301 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus GX should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus GX weights approximately 1206 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 2012 Lexus GX 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, 2012 Lexus GX 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, 2012 Lexus GX (446 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus GX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION. 2012 Lexus GX has automatic transmission and 2005 Saturn ION has manual transmission. 2005 Saturn ION will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus GX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Saturn ION | 2012 Lexus GX | |
| Make | Saturn | Lexus |
| Model | ION | GX |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 446 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 2406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4806 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1885 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 87 L |
