2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2004 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Saturn ION. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Saturn ION would be higher. At 2,655 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2004 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 435 kg more than 2004 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Saturn ION. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2004 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Hyundai | Saturn |
| Model | Santa Fe | ION |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2655 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
