2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Saturn ION. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Saturn ION would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 710 kg more than 2005 Saturn ION. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 Dodge Nitro (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2005 Saturn ION has manual transmission. 2005 Saturn ION will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Dodge Nitro | 2005 Saturn ION | |
Make | Dodge | Saturn |
Model | Nitro | ION |
Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2189 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 314 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90.8 mm | 94 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1250 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |