2005 Saturn ION vs. 2013 Ford Flex
To start off, 2013 Ford Flex is newer by 8 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Ford Flex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford Flex (281 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Flex weights approximately 828 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.
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, 2013 Ford Flex (346 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION. 2013 Ford Flex 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. 2013 Ford Flex will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Saturn ION | 2013 Ford Flex | |
| Make | Saturn | Ford |
| Model | ION | Flex |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 2028 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5125 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2256 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1726 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2994 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
