I have been driving a brand new 2007 ION.2 (w/15" alloys) for the last 4 days now. I am comparing it to my '02 SC2 in consideration to trade up. My SC2 feels quite faster than the ION although the ION is much smoother. When going pedal to the metal, my Sc2 (w/ 64K mi) will really take off, the ION seems lethargic in comparison.
Handling via the SC2's power assist rack and pinion vs the ION's elctro-mechanical steering is apples and oranges too. I have to admit that I do have a front end strut bar and BF Goodrich Traction TA 195/15 's on the SC so that would problably make all the difference in the world as far as handling. Once I got used to the stock ION's suspension and steering, which felt like it has a 1 second delay in reaction time I found it to be very able in dry and especially rainy wet roads.
I would assume that if I were to add a front strut bar and upgrade the tires as well as add in a K&N drop-in filter and mod the stock intake as I have on my SC, handling and performance would greatly improve? Saturn Motorsports has a nice strut bar for under $100. The radio in the ION doesnt sound as good as the SC, but I love the layout. I want a bigger car but dont want to give up on too much performance nor do I want to go crazy with mods. I may get either auto or manual, dunno yet.
My SC is already 5 yrs old and still in great shape, it has plenty of equity before it gets too high mileage, as this is the last chance to get the last Spring Hill original and the '07 2.2 has been reworked for '07, I am thinking the time may be right. Whaddya ppl think about my new project car idea?