2006 Saturn ION vs. 2010 BMW 123
To start off, 2010 BMW 123 is newer by 4 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, 2010 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 123 weights approximately 45 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 2010 BMW 123 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 2010 BMW 123. 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, 2010 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2010 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Saturn | BMW |
| Model | ION | 123 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.4 L/100km | 4.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 51 L |
