2006 Saturn ION vs. 2009 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2009 Subaru Forester 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 2,456 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Forester (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Forester weights approximately 183 kg more than 2006 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Subaru Forester 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, 2009 Subaru Forester 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, 2009 Subaru Forester (229 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2009 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Saturn | Subaru |
| Model | ION | Forester |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 60 L |
