2006 Saturn ION vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 87 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (235 Nm) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | ION | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
