1988 Ford RS 200 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 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2004 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Saturn L weights approximately 40 kg more than 1988 Ford RS 200.
Because 1988 Ford RS 200 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 Ford RS 200. 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 Ford RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 Ford RS 200 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 Ford RS 200 has manual transmission. 1988 Ford RS 200 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 Ford RS 200 | 2004 Saturn L | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | RS 200 | L |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| 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 | 1280 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 62 L |
