2006 Saturn ION vs. 2009 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen GTI 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 2,194 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen GTI (207 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | ION | GTI |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2194 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
