2006 Saturn ION vs. 1989 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 2,212 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1989 Subaru Legacy. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1989 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 150 kg more than 1989 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Saturn ION. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Subaru Legacy 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 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Subaru Legacy. (188 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 1989 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Saturn | Subaru |
| Model | ION | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2212 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 64 L |
