2006 Saturn ION vs. 1997 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Corolla 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 69 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (71 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 190 kg more than 1997 Toyota Corolla. 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 1997 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Saturn | Toyota |
| Model | ION | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
