1988 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Saturn L
To start off, 2004 Saturn L is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2004 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Saturn L weights approximately 120 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Saturn L, 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn L. 2004 Saturn L has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Saturn L will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2004 Saturn L | |
| Make | BMW | Saturn |
| Model | M3 | L |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
