1996 Saturn SL vs. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Saturn SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Saturn SL would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 Saturn SL. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1996 Saturn SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 594 kg more than 1996 Saturn SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Saturn SL. (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Saturn SL. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 has automatic transmission and 1996 Saturn SL has manual transmission. 1996 Saturn SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Saturn SL | 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Saturn | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | SL | 159 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1901 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
