1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2003 Saturn L
To start off, 2003 Saturn L is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saturn L (180 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 10 kg more than 2003 Saturn L.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Saturn L. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Saturn L (257 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 2003 Saturn L has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 1996 Honda S-MX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Saturn L will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2003 Saturn L | |
| Make | Honda | Saturn |
| Model | S-MX | L |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
