2006 Saturn ION vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Saturn ION. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Saturn ION would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 100 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | ION | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
