2001 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2002 Saturn L
To start off, 2002 Saturn L is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Saturn L (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (98 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Saturn L weights approximately 173 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Saturn L. 2002 Saturn L has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Saturn L will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Polo | 2002 Saturn L | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Saturn |
| Model | Polo | L |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
