2009 Alpina B3 vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 3 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 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 41 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 2009 Alpina B3 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 2009 Alpina B3. 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, 2009 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B3 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Alpina | Saturn |
| Model | B3 | ION |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 49 L |
