2008 Opel Astra vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra (237 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 57 kg more than 2008 Opel Astra.
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, 2008 Opel Astra (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Astra | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Opel | Saturn |
| Model | Astra | ION |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 49 L |
