2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 2004 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2004 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 321 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 Mercury Mariner 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 Mercury Mariner 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 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mariner | 2004 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Mercury | Saturn |
| Model | Mariner | ION |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1571 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
