2006 Saturn ION vs. 2002 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Subaru Outback. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Subaru Outback would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Subaru Outback (154 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 456 kg more than 2002 Subaru Outback.
Because 2002 Subaru Outback 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, 2002 Subaru Outback 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, 2002 Subaru Outback (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2002 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Saturn | Subaru |
| Model | ION | Outback |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1946 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 64 L |
