2007 Saturn ION vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Saturn ION is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Saturn ION (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 71 kg more than 2007 Saturn ION.
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 Saturn ION (203 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Saturn ION | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | ION | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
