2006 Saturn ION vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 6 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 690 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 2012 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Saturn ION. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 502 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Saturn | Alpina |
| Model | ION | B7 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 2140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 82 L |
