2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 121 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2006 Saturn ION has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Saturn ION will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2006 Saturn ION | |
Make | Mazda | Saturn |
Model | MX-5 Miata | ION |
Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2196 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 166 HP | 141 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1450 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.9 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 49 L |