2006 Saturn ION vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
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 Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 17 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 65 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | ION | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
