2006 Saturn ION vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Saturn | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | ION | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 90 L |
