1997 Saturn SL vs. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Saturn SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Saturn SL would be higher. At 2,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (186 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1997 Saturn SL. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado should accelerate faster than 1997 Saturn SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado weights approximately 1330 kg more than 1997 Saturn SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Saturn SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado 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, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (258 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Saturn SL. (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Colorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Saturn SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Saturn SL | 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | |
| Make | Saturn | Chevrolet |
| Model | SL | Colorado |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1899 cc | 2901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 2385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1720 mm |
