2005 Saturn ION vs. 2013 Nissan ALTIMA
To start off, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Nissan ALTIMA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Nissan ALTIMA weights approximately 216 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 Nissan ALTIMA (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan ALTIMA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Saturn ION | 2013 Nissan ALTIMA | |
| Make | Saturn | Nissan |
| Model | ION | ALTIMA |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4864 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 68 L |
