2009 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 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 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 255 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 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 2009 BMW 318. 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 BMW 318 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | BMW | Saturn |
| Model | 318 | ION |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 95 L |
