2006 Kia Optima vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, both 2006 Kia Optima and 2006 Saturn ION were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 54 kg more than 2006 Saturn ION.
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, 2006 Kia Optima (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Kia | Saturn |
| Model | Optima | ION |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 59 L |
