2006 Saturn ION vs. 2013 Nissan ALTIMA
To start off, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA is newer by 7 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Nissan ALTIMA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 34 kg more than 2013 Nissan ALTIMA.
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, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan ALTIMA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2013 Nissan ALTIMA | |
| Make | Saturn | Nissan |
| Model | ION | ALTIMA |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4864 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.7 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 68 L |
