2009 Saturn Sky vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2009 Saturn Sky 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Saturn Sky is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Sky (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Sky should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 211 kg more than 2009 Saturn Sky.
Because 2009 Saturn Sky 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 Saturn Sky. 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 Saturn Sky (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Sky will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 2006 Saturn ION has automatic transmission and 2009 Saturn Sky has manual transmission. 2009 Saturn Sky will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Saturn ION will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Saturn Sky | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Saturn | Saturn |
| Model | Sky | ION |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.9 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1946 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 49 L |
