2002 Honda S-MX vs. 2003 Saturn L
To start off, 2003 Saturn L is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saturn L (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda S-MX weights approximately 10 kg more than 2003 Saturn L.
Because 2002 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, 2002 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 (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 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 2002 Honda S-MX. 2003 Saturn L has automatic transmission and 2002 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 2002 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:
| 2002 Honda S-MX | 2003 Saturn L | |
| Make | Honda | Saturn |
| Model | S-MX | L |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| 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 | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
