2006 Saturn ION vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 600 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2008 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (359 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | ION | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
