2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, both 2006 Mazda RX-8 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 22 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2006 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 2006 Saturn ION has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Saturn ION will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Mazda | Saturn |
| Model | RX-8 | ION |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 49 L |
