2006 Saturn ION vs. 2005 Saturn Relay
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Saturn Relay. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Saturn Relay would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Saturn Relay is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn Relay (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn Relay should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION.
Because 2005 Saturn Relay 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, 2005 Saturn Relay 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, 2005 Saturn Relay (299 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Saturn Relay will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 2005 Saturn Relay has automatic transmission and 2006 Saturn ION has manual transmission. 2006 Saturn ION will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Saturn Relay will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2005 Saturn Relay | |
| Make | Saturn | Saturn |
| Model | ION | Relay |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3050 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |
