2007 Kia Optima vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2007 Kia Optima is newer by 1 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 2,654 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Kia Optima (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Optima weights approximately 43 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.
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, 2007 Kia Optima (247 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Optima | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Kia | Saturn |
| Model | Optima | ION |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2654 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1444 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 49 L |
