2008 BMW 318 vs. 2007 Saturn ION
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Saturn ION. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Saturn ION would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2007 Saturn ION. (145 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2007 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 66 kg more than 2007 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 318 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 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Saturn ION (203 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2007 Saturn ION | |
| Make | BMW | Saturn |
| Model | 318 | ION |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 49 L |
