2003 Saturn L vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is newer by 9 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, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2003 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan should accelerate faster than 2003 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 221 kg more than 2003 Saturn L. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Saturn L. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Volkswagen Tiguan (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Saturn L. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Saturn L | 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | L | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 64 L |
