2008 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Equinox is newer by 2 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 3,425 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Equinox (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Equinox should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Equinox weights approximately 11 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.
Because 2008 Chevrolet Equinox is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Saturn ION. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Equinox will offer significantly more control. 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 Chevrolet Equinox (285 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Equinox will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 2008 Chevrolet Equinox has automatic transmission and 2006 Saturn ION has manual transmission. 2006 Saturn ION will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Chevrolet Equinox will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Equinox | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Saturn |
| Model | Equinox | ION |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3425 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 95 L |
