2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 2004 Saturn ION
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Saturn ION. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Saturn ION would be higher. At 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2004 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 441 kg more than 2004 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn ION. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan has automatic transmission and 2004 Saturn ION has manual transmission. 2004 Saturn ION will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 2004 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Dodge | Saturn |
| Model | Grand Caravan | ION |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3299 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2630 mm |
