2006 Saturn ION vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 315 kg more than 1996 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Carina. (156 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Saturn | Toyota |
| Model | ION | Carina |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1762 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2590 mm |
