1996 Saturn SL vs. 2010 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo is newer by 14 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 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Saturn SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Saturn SL (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Saturn SL should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Saturn SL weights approximately 236 kg more than 2010 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 2010 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Saturn SL, 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, 1996 Saturn SL (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Saturn SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Saturn SL | 2010 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Saturn | Smart |
| Model | SL | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1901 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1542 mm |
