2003 Saturn L vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Saturn L would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2003 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saturn L weights approximately 55 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic.
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, 2003 Saturn L (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2003 Saturn L has manual transmission. 2003 Saturn L will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Saturn L | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Saturn | Honda |
| Model | L | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 50 L |
