2006 Saturn ION vs. 2009 Saturn Sky
To start off, 2009 Saturn Sky is newer by 3 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Sky (260 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Sky should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 106 kg more than 2009 Saturn Sky.
Because 2009 Saturn Sky is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Saturn Sky. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Saturn Sky (353 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Sky will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 2006 Saturn ION has automatic transmission and 2009 Saturn Sky has manual transmission. 2009 Saturn Sky will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Saturn ION will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2009 Saturn Sky | |
| Make | Saturn | Saturn |
| Model | ION | Sky |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 49 L |
