2006 Saturn ION vs. 2000 Saturn L
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Saturn L would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2000 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2000 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 95 kg more than 2000 Saturn L. 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Saturn L. (193 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Saturn L.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2000 Saturn L | |
| Make | Saturn | Saturn |
| Model | ION | L |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 60 L |
