2008 BMW 120 vs. 2004 Saturn ION
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Saturn ION. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Saturn ION would be higher. At 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 120 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2004 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 94 kg more than 2004 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 120 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 2008 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 2004 Saturn ION | |
| Make | BMW | Saturn |
| Model | 120 | ION |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
